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01. Memo
James W. Cicconi to Shief of Staff, re: Competitiveness
01/10/90
P-5
Package for State of the Union. (1 pp.)
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State of the Union 1/31/90 [7]
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To Chriss Winston
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 10, 1990
THE CHIEF of STAFF
has seen
MEMORANDUM FOR CHIEF OF STAFF
FROM:
JAMES W. CICCONI
Aim
SUBJECT:
Competitiveness Package for State of the Union
As you know, we have endorsed or will soon put forward three
significant proposals which relate to the economy: capital
gains, a permanent R&D tax credit, and a plan to boost domestic
savings. All three will assist growth industries in the U.S.,
particularly high tech businesses, and enhance competitiveness.
Accordingly, I would hope we will link these as part of a
"competitiveness package" designed to boost investment in
America's future. Such a link would enhance the legislative
prospects for all three ideas, and would respond to calls for an
Administration strategy to compete more effectively with Japan
and the EC. All are also consistent philosophically, i.e. they
approach the task via incentives and not by way of central
planning and control (industrial policy). They seek to tap
latent strength in America, showing that we do have some easily
available tools to enhance America's competitiveness.
One might add our budget as a fourth prong of this package since
it cuts the deficit without new taxes, thus helping cost of
capital (not to mention the indirect pro-competitive aspects of a
low taxes, low inflation, lower interest rates economic policy).
Of the above, the R&D tax credit, which could do perhaps as much
for corporate investment as any of our other ideas, should not
get short shrift in our legislative and communications strategy.
A permanent credit came close to passage in both the House and
Senate last year, and could pass this year with sufficient
Administration support. Packaging these proposals and presenting
them rhetorically as such will help provide that support. It is
also a way of having some "old" ideas appear new for State of the
Union.
If you agree with the above, we can see that it is presented
accordingly in the State of the Union and subsequent speeches.
CC: Michael Boskin
Richard G. Darman
ROBERT H. MICHEL
H-232. THE CAPITOL
18TH DISTRICT, ILLINOIS
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
225-0600
Office of the Republican Leader
Chris
United States House of Representatives
copy
Dan
Washington, DC 20515
January 11, 1990
Honorable George Bush
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
In anticipation of the State of the Union address, I want to
share some ideas from other House Republicans as well as myself.
I assume a major emphasis of your speech will concern the epic
changes occurring in Eastern Europe. The Cold War philosophy of
containment must now give way to a whole new approach to foreign
policy. It is not just Eastern Europe but the new democracies in Asia,
Western Europe and our own hemisphere which make this time even
more profound.
A related matter to the changes in Eastern Europe is the so-
called "peace dividend." I am sure you realize that the Democrat
controlled Congress is prepared to spend that phantom dividend
several times over. Debunking the myth of the peace dividend must
be an important component of your speech. The debate on the issue
needs to be formulated now, and there is no better spokesman than
yourself, and no better forum than the State of the Union.
I trust that you will once again call for Congressional action on
your previously expressed high priority items such as the war on
drugs, crime package, child care, capital gains tax cut, and education.
We deserve to be scolded for inaction. I also want to see Republicans
continue to pursue a reform agenda which at a minimum should
involve bipartisan agreement on budget and campaign reform.
Your call for major campaign reform helped to set the debate
and focus attention on the issue. House Republicans adopted an
unprecedented 25-point program for reform in September.
While Congress is expected to act on clean air legislation, many
hurdles remain, and clean air is only one element to a sound
environmental agenda.
We must continue the effort to reduce the budget deficit to
reach a balanced budget. Such an accomplishment would be a
capstone to your Presidency as well as a legacy to our children. The
new deficit projections are not good so it is imperative that we keep
the dialogue moving in our direction.
A few issues which are germinating legislative proposals
include: the portability of pensions to facilitate mobility in the
workforce and the restructuring of companies; a major overhaul of
our transportation infrastructure; modifications of the payroll tax;
encouraging a free trade agreement with the European Economic
Community similar to the one between the U.S. and Canada as well as
more trade agreements in our own hemisphere.
I hope you will balance your attention to the dramatic shifts in
Eastern Europe with emphasis on our own hemisphere and more
importantly on the challenges we face domestically.
I have enclosed some letters from House Republicans
suggesting these and other ideas for inclusion in the State of the
Union. As always, I look forward to working with you in the Second
Session of the 101st Congress.
Sincerely
Bal. Bob Michel
Republican Leader
BILL FRENZE
MINNESOTA OFFICE:
THIRD DISTRICT, MINNES
ROOM 445
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
8120 PENN AVENUE SOUTH
1026 LONGWORTH BUILDING
BLOOMINGTON, MN 55431-1326
202-225-2871
612-881-4600
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Mashington, DC 20515-2303
December 27, 1989
The Honorable Bob Michel
Republican Leader
H-232, The Capitol
Dear Bob:
Per your request of November 17, here are my thoughts on the
SOTU address.
1.
As a flint-hearted budgeteer, I hope we give first priority
to realistic achievement of the Gramm-Rudman targets so
that we actually get to zero deficit by the end of the
first Bush term.
2.
I hope the SOTU will contain no new tax proposals.
Later, when we inevitably get around to summitry, we
will have to see where the trail leads.
3.
The Administration's DOD figures call for a slight
nominal increase, but a real cut. I believe the
President ought to get out in front of this idea and
claim to be the first President in 40 years (or
whatever) who has proposed a real cut. Cheney and Bush
have endured some real pain. Lets not give the credit
to the Democrats. They will feast off of Defense
anyway. Let's advertise the President as the original
promoter of defense spending reductions. Also, it
will be easier to defend against over enthusiastic cuts
if he is perceived as the guy who invented cutting in
the first place.
4.
I hope the President won't promise new programs. We don't
know how to pay for the old ones yet. There is plenty
of pending stuff, Clean Air, Child Care, etc., to
promote. Especially, I hope he is careful on health
programs. Lets not back into another catastrophic-
insurance-type program.
5.
The President ought to give a successful Uruguay Round
Negotiation a plug, too. Few things are more important
to the U.S. and world economies. He needs to start
talking about it now, or it might escape us.
THIS STATIONERY PRINTED ON PAPER MADE WITH RECYCLED FIBERS
Honorable Bob Michel
December 27, 1989
Page 2.
6.
In general, the SOTU ought to be aimed at deficit
reduction and a new international policy to replace
containment. As a Party, we have some credit coming.
Lets take it.
After the SOTU, I think we Republicans ought to work with
the Administration on some other things.
1. Its time to abandon the losing position on abortion in
cases of rape and incest. Our Party has dined on this
issue for years, but now the dinner is eating us. The
President can oppose and can moan, scream and wail, but
he has to find a way to sign a bill with a principle in
it that most Americans accept.
2. We need to continue your procedural (ethics) reforms.
We have a long way to go on the frank yet. Committee
budgets are obscene. T lree committees have associate
staff. Two are beyond the oversight of any authorizing
committee.
3. House procedures still penalize us. We are still
shorted on Committee ratios.
4. Budget procedures are an inadequate defense against
scorekeeping legerdemain. They are not strong enough
to defend a Bipartisan Budget Agreement. When we go to
summit, we need process reform as badly as we need the
right deficit numbers.
Thanks for your great leadership in past years. As usual,
you have only ask when you need help.
Bu Best
Bill Frenzel
Member of Congress
BF:pb
THOMAS E. PETRI
6TH DISTRICT, WISCONSIN
DEC 20 1989
2443 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDIN
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-2476
Congress of the United States
6TH DISTRICT OFFICE
1-800-242-4883
house of Representatives
Mashington, DC 20515
December 18, 1989
Hon. Robert H. Michel, Republican Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob,
Thank you for your letter of December 5, requesting my ideas for a
1990 legislative agenda for the President and for House Republicans. Here
they are:
1. Pass EITC/child care to put parents in charge and help them to care
for children regardless of whether they pay others for child care services.
2. Pass indexing of capital gains basis to account for inflation.
3. Adopt the Petri Income Dependent Education Assistance Act (IDEA -- to
be introduced early in 1990) to establish a new, universal, cost-effective
student loan program in which loan repayments are related to the post-
school incomes of the borrowers and are collected by the IRS as income
taxes (saves over $3 billion per year while providing just as good a deal
for students as current programs).
4. Reform health care system to provide vouchers, maximize competitive
market forces, provide universal coverage, and control explosion of costs.
5. Promote competition in education.
6. Provide for some portability of pensions to facilitate mobility in
workforce and restructuring of companies.
7. End prison overcrowding.
8. Announce downsizing of military and civilian bureaucracy.
9. Announce major overhaul of transportation infrastructure; expand and
renovate air traffic support facilities, etc..
10. Support "polluter pays" policy to give incentives to private sector to
invest in environmentally sound technology.
11. Continue progress toward balanced budget.
Sincerely,
Twin
Thomas E. Petri, M.C.
BILL GRADISON
2311 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
20 DISTRICT, OHIO
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
TELEPHONE: (202) 225-3164
MARGARET TOTTEN
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Congress of the United States
FEDERAL OFFICE BUILDING
550 MAIN STREET
COMMITTEES:
CINCINNATI, OH 45202
WAYS AND MEANS
BUDGET
House of Representatives
TELEPHONE: (513) 684-2456
Mashington, DC 20515
DEC 20
December 19, 1989
Hon. Robert H. Michel
Republican Leader
H-232 the Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob:
In response to your letter of December 5th, I wish to offer the
following ideas for the House Republican legislative agenda and
the President's State of the Union Address.
Health
As the country's largest health care payer, the federal
government has a major role in assuring that all Americans have
access to quality health care. To date, the Administration lacks
a comprehensive health care policy. Decisions regarding health
policy have been largely budget driven. As a result, a
Republican president may soon be presiding over the deterioration
of our nation's health care system, especially the hospital
system -- in terms of both access and quality in both the public
and private sectors.
Among the health care issues that will be on the front burner
over the next few years are: how to address the growing problem
of the health uninsured and underinsured, how to address the
growing demand for long term care coverage, and how to reform the
Medicaid program so that it meets the health care needs of those
it is intended to serve.
Tax Reform
Despite the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, several
major issues remain unresolved which should be addressed in the
context of further tax reform (Tax Reform II).
Replace or reduce payroll taxes. As a result of the Social Security
Amendments of 1983 and of ERTA, the federal revenue base has
shifted significantly from income taxes toward payroll taxes.
Yet payroll taxes are a direct tax on work. Alternative taxes
should be considered. Such a tax could be structured to
encourage saving over consumption which would help raise our
national saving rate.
Integration of corporate and individual income tax. The
current corporate tax system favors debt over equity. This
contributes to over-leveraging and could prove harmful in an
economic downturn. Integration of the corporate and individual
tax systems would be a step in the right direction.
Expensing of capital investments. Another corporate tax
reform would be to move to a system of expensing capital
investments. This would be a significant tax simplification and
would improve efficiency because investment decisions would not
be influenced by depreciation schedules. When fully phased in,
the effective tax rate on capital would be zero which would
reduce the cost of capital. This could be achieved relatively
cheaply through a system of incremental expensing starting with a
fixed base.
Trade
Given the success of the US-Canadian Free Trade Agreement and
the rapid integration of the European Economic Community (EC)
planned for 1992, the U.S. should push for a Free Trade Agreement
(FTA) with the EC. Such an agreement, like the Canadian and
Israeli FTAS, would provide significant economic benefits to both
parties. An US-EC FTA would supplement the General Agreement on
Tariffs and Trade (GATT). As a general policy, the U.S. should
declare its intent to negotiate other FTAs with other interested
countries.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Thanks for giving me the
opportunity to provide some thoughts.
Sincerely,
Bue
Bill Gradison
Representative in Congress
cc: House Republican Leadership
GLENN M. ANDERSON, CALIFORNIA, CHAIRMAN
ROBERT A. ROE. NEW JERSEY
JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT, ARKANSAS
NORMAN Y. MINETA, CALIFORNIA
BUD SHUSTER, PENNSYLVANIA
JAMES L OBERSTAR. MINNESOTA
ARLAN STANGELAND, MINNESOTA
HENRY J. NOWAK, NEW YORK
NEWT GINGRICH, GEORGIA
NICK JOE RAHALL 12, WEST VIRGINIA
WILLIAM P. CLINGER, JR. PENNSYLVANIA
DOUGLAS APPLEGATE. OHIO
GUY V. MOLINARI, NEW YORK
RON DE LUGO, VIRGIN ISLANDS
BOB McEWEN, OHIO
Committee on Public Works and Transportation
GUS SAVAGE. ILLINOIS
THOMAS E. PETRI, WISCONSIN
DOUGLAS H. BOSCO, CALIFORNIA
RON PACKARD, CALIFORNIA
ROBERT A. BORSKI, PENNSYLVANIA
SHERWOOD BOEKLERT, NEW YORK
One Hundred first Congress
JOE KOLTER. PENNSYLVANIA
JIM LIGHTFOOT, IOWA
TIM VALENTINE, NORTH CAROLINA
DENNIS HASTERT, ILLINOIS
EDOLPHUS TOWNS, NEW YORK
JAMES M. INHOFE. OKLAHOMA
H.S. house of Representatives
WILLIAM O. LIPINSKI, ILLINOIS
CASS BALLENGER, NORTH CAROLINA
PETER J. VISCLOSKY, INDIANA
FRED UPTON, MICHIGAN
JAMES A. TRAFICANT, JR. OHIO
BILL EMERSON, MISSOURI
Room 2165, Rapburn house Office Building
LOUISE M. SLAUGHTER NEW YORK
LARRY E CRAIG. IDAHO
JOHN LEWIS, GEORGIA
JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR., TENNESSEE
PETER A. DeFAZIO, OREGON
MEL HANCOCK, MISSOURI
Washington, DC 20515
BENJAMIN L CARDIN, MARYLAND
CHRISTOPHER COX, CALIFORNIA
DAVID E. SKAGGS, COLORADO
TELEPHONE: AREA CODE 202, 225-4472
JIMMY HAYES, LOUISIANA
806 CLEMENT, TENNESSEE
LEWIS F. PAYNE, VIRGINIA
JERRY F. COSTELLO, ILLINOIS
FRANK PALLONE, JR., NEW JERSEY
December 13, 1989
BEN JONES, GEORGIA
MIKE PARKER, MISSISSIPPI
GREG LAUGHLIN, TEXAS
CARL c. PERKINS, KENTUCKY
Hon. Robert H. Michel
Minority Leader
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob:
The widespread destruction created by Hurricane Hugo and the
California earthquake served as a very graphic reminder of the
importance of our public facility infrastructure. In fact, the
better understanding that Americans now have of the essential role
played by infrastructure as a result of those disasters provides
President Bush an excellent and appropriate opportunity to raise
the issue in next year's State of the Union address to Congress.
By any assessment, our infrastructure needs are enormous,
with some estimates as high as $1 trillion and more over the next
20 years. Growing public awareness of the problem and its serious
consequences for our national economy make it imperative that as
we set new spending priorities, the rebuilding of our crumbling
public facility infrastructure be foremost among them.
President Bush, speaking for our Party, can take the lead in
this effort by making a strong statement on infrastructure as part
of his highly visible and significant State of the Union address.
For that purpose and for the President's consideration, I have
enclosed some attached language on this matter.
In order to further assist you in making recommendations to
the President, I have attached a list of suggested public works
and transportation objectives for our Republican Administration in
1990.
With highest regards,
Sincerely,
JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT
Member of Congress
JPH:gn
Suggested Language for
State of the Union Message
In the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo and the California
earthquake, Americans certainly have a better understanding of the
importance of our Nation's public facility infrastructure. The
disruption to essential services and the economies of the areas
affected by those disasters should serve as a reminder of the
urgent need to address the crumbling state of our infrastructure
nationwide.
Past underinvestment and deferred investment in our expansive
network of streets, roads, dams, waterways, airports, and water
and sewage systems have left them in such a state of deterioration
that some estimates put the cost to rebuild these vital facilities
at $1 trillion or more over the next two decades.
Our public works and transportation facilities are
responsible for the growth and expansion of our industrialized
economy and for the high standard of living we Americans enjoy.
Fortunately there is a growing public awareness that the
infrastructure which has served us so well for so long is wearing
out and requires rehabilitation, repair and replacement. And, as
with everything else, the longer we delay doing the work that must
be done, the most costly the job will be.
The time has come for the strongest possible public response
to the problems besetting our national infrastructure. The task
will be large, and consideration must be given to the potential
impact of anything that is done on the federal budget deficit.
However, the job must be done, and many have a role to play in
that effort.
Although the solution to the problems facing our
infrastructure must be fashioned primarily at the grass roots
level by state and local governments in cooperation with the
private sector, there is nonetheless an important role for the
Federal government in encouraging, coordinating and enhancing this
effort. In this way and at this time of changing spending
priorities, we will be able to restore our public facilities,
which are so essential to the economic health and defense of our
Nation.
OBJECTIVES FOR 1990
1. Make funding for infrastructure improvement a high priority.
The National Council on Public Works Improvement has called for a
doubling of infrastructure spending. Our nation's dramatic
economic growth under the Reagan and Bush Administrations is at
risk unless all levels of government and the private sector spend
what is needed on infrastructure.
2.
Fully utilize transportation trust fund revenues. The
Highway and Airport and Airway Trust Fund balances should not be
used to make the General Fund deficit look smaller. Moreover,
states should be allowed to spend what they receive in
obligational authority. Failure to fully use trust fund money for
system improvements amounts to a breach of faith with the highway
and aviation users who pay taxes just for that purpose.
3.
Continue the 2-year cycle for reauthorizing water resources
legislation. Although we enacted a water bill in 1988, prior to
that it took 16 years to enact the 1986 Water Resources bill,
during which the Corps of Engineers amassed a huge construction
backlog. Biennial authorizations clearly best serve the long-term
interests of our water resources program. It is important that we
continue the momentum we have achieved in that regard under
Presidents Reagan and Bush.
4.
Lay the groundwork for the next major highway bill. With the
Interstate System nearly complete, Congress will likely be
reshaping the entire program to address highway needs in the next
century. We will be setting policy for the post-Interstate period,
and while the current authorization does not expire until October
1991, much of the preliminary work, including hearings by the
Public Works and Transportation Committee, will be done next year.
5. Prepare for the reauthorization of other infrastructure
programs. In addition to a new water resources bill, Congress
will be preparing for the reauthorization of the Airport
Improvement Program (AIP) and the 1986 Superfund Act, both of
which expire in 1991.
*
Important AIP funding decisions must be made. According
to the Federal Aviation Administration, over the next 10 years,
airports will need about $25 billion to maintain the current
airport system and increase capacity. Airport associations project
that needs figure at $40 billion. Modernizing air taffic control
and airway facilities will require about $23 billion in federal
funds.
*
With the Office of Technology Assessment report
questioning the effectiveness of the Superfund program, it is
important that as we lay the groundwork for the program's
reauthorization next year, we give Administrator Reilly the tools
he needs to increase the efficiency of Superfund.
6. We must address consumer issues in aviation. In order to
avoid a complete re-regulation of the airline industry, which
Republicans definitely do not want, we must find ways to address
the existing problem of:
*
Too much concentration in the industry. Under
deregulation, eight airlines now control more than 94% of the U.S.
market, and 13 carriers handle 99% of the business. At individual
hub airports, a single airline may control almost all the traffic.
GAO tells us that air fares were 27% higher at 15 airports where
one or two airlines dominate than at 38 less concentrated
airports.
*
Lack of capacity. The shortage of capacity to handle more
flight operations has resulted in flight delays, which, in turn,
produce passenger and cargo delays. With the number of domestic
airline passengers doubling since 1978, the increase will require
new or expanded facilities at originating, connecting and
destination airports.
7.
A number of environmental issues require special attention:
* Wetlands protection. We need to implement the President's
goal of no net loss of wetlands. To that end, the Public Works
Committee is examining wetlands mitigation projects during field
investigations throughout the country. Hopefully the information
gathered will help in the development of comprehensive wetlands
legislation.
*
Groundwater protection. Since groundwater provides the
drinking water for about half the nation, and in rural areas,
close to 95%, we must ensure that these supplies are adequately
protected. Although the past Congress failed to complete action
on groundwater legislation, efforts in that regard are expected to
be renewed. Major issues involved are whether states or the
Federal government should take the lead on groundwater regulation
and protection and whether the federal role should focus on
research rather than regulation at this point.
* Clean Water Act programs. We need to provide full funding
for the $18 billion phase-out of the sewer grant/loan program to
help communities meet their secondary treatment requirements.
Industrial development and commercial activity depend heavily on
water supply and sewage treatment facilities, and it is essential
that adequate funding be available to help communities meet their
treatment needs when the federal revolving loan program ends. We
also need to review other important water quality programs and
initiatives in the context of the Clean Water Act's upcoming
reauthorization.
DEC
21
MICHAEL G. OXLEY
DISTRICT OFFICES:
4TH DISTRICT OHIO
3121 WEST ELM PLAZA
LIMA, OH 45805
1131 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
(419) 999-6455
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
(202) 225-2676
110 WEST MAIN CROSS STREET
ROOM 206
COMMITTEE ON
FINDLAY, OH 45840
ENERGY AND COMMERCE
(419) 423-3210
SELECT COMMITTEE ON
NARCOTICS ABUSE AND CONTROL
Congress of the United States
24 WEST THIRD STREET
ROOM 314
CONGRESSIONAL RURAL CAUCUS
MANSFIELD. OH 44902
(419) 522-5757
house of Representatives
TOLL-FREE IN OHIO:
1-800-472-4154
Washington, DC 20515
20, 1989
Honorable Robert H. Michel
Republican Leader
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob:
As you work with the White House to develop priorities for the 1990 legislative
calendar, I believe it is imperative that a balance be struck which will generate
effective federal laws and demonstrate the differences between Democrats and the GOP.
The two most important issues facing the country today, and also the two issues that
best point out the fundamental differences between the parties, are drug abuse and
crime.
On the drug war front, the President announced a bold strategy in September and
asked for only four pieces of legislation to implement it. While we approved two
anti-drug bills, the Congress has yet to pass H.R. 3630, the Emergency Drug Abuse
Treatment Expansion Act, and H.R. 3550, the Forfeiture Amendments Act of 1989. These
bills should be placed at the top of the domestic agenda, and the President should
make it clear to the American people that Congress failed to enact his anti-drug
proposals in a timely manner. Also, Drug Policy Director Bennett will release an
updated National Drug Control Strategy next year, and if he asks for additional
legislation, Republicans should move quickly to enact it.
On September 21, 1989, I introduced H.R. 3322, the Assault Weapon Crime Act of
1989. This measure is intended to severely punish those criminals using the most
dangerous weapons on the streets today, and I believe it provides an important
complement to the President's anti-crime initiatives.
At present, a violent criminal or drug trafficker caught with a machinegun can
be sentenced to 30 years in prison for the first offense and to life in prison
without parole for a second conviction. My bill would extend these penalties to
apply to the use of pump action or semiautomatic shotguns (with barrels 20 inches or
shorter in length) and semiautomatic center fire weapons (with ammunition capacities
of 8 or more rounds) in the commission of violent or drug-related crimes.
Currently, the federal penalty for the criminal use of these weapons is only
five years imprisonment. This is clearly an insufficient sentence for such dangerous
offenders.
Also regarding crime issues, President Bush unveiled his anti-crime proposals in
May. To the best of my knowledge, the Judiciary Committee has not acted on your
bill, H.R. 2709, which embodies the Administration's package. In the Senate, the
President's proposals were not met with bipartisan support, but rather with an "I'll
see your billion and raise you a billion" attitude. We must keep the pressure on the
Majority to permit votes on these important anti-crime initiatives.
Honorable Robert H. Michel
Page 2
December 20, 1989
These two issue, drugs and crime, are wedge issues that will be at the forefront
of the 1990 election debates. They are also issues in which the American people
firmly support GOP ideas and initiatives. We must place them on top of our list of
priorities and make it abundantly clear to the American citizens that Democrats, by
and large, oppose reasonable measures such as drug testing for workers in safety-
oriented jobs, user accountability methods, reform of the exclusionary rule, habeas
corpus reform, expanded use of the death penalty, and increased penalties for a
variety of crimes.
I hope my ideas are useful and I look forward to working with you next year.
Sincerely
Michael G. Oxley, M.C.
Fourth Ohio District
MGO/bkh
MATTHEW J. RINALDO.
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
7TH DISTRICT, NEW JERSEY
2469 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
COMMITTEES:
(202) 225-5361
ENERGY AND COMMERCE
SUBCOMMITTEES:
Congress of the United States
DISTRICT OFFICES.
1961 MORRIS AVENUE
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND FINANCE
(RANKING MINORITY MEMBER)
house of Representatives
UNION, NJ 07083
(201) 687-4235
TRANSPORTATION AND
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
290 ROUTE 22
SELECT COMMITTEE
Mashington, DC 20515
GREEN BROOK, NJ 08812
ON AGING
(201) 981-9090
(RANKING MINORITY MEMBER)
November 22, 1989
The NOV 1989
Hon. Bob Michel
Republican Leader
H232 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob:
Thank you for your letter soliciting my suggestions on a
Republican agenda for next year and for ideas the President can
include in his State of the Union address.
At the top of a Republican agenda ought to be the need for true
catastrophic health care coverage for senior citizens along the
lines of the bill you and I have introduced (HR 3621). I honestly
believe that spurring the development of private sector long-term
care coverage represents the best hope for meaningful progress in
this area, and I think both the President in his State of the Union
amd the Republican leadership in its priorities for next session
should include this bill high on the list of things to do.
Another idea which I feel could have excellent appeal is my
proposal for a savings plan for first-time homebuyers. It could be
offered by employers (similar to a 401(k) pension plan) with
favorable tax treatment, but it would have the advantage of having
much broader appeal than merely a pension plan. Such a plan could
be supplemented by provisions that would have employers guarantee a
proportion of mortgages for their employees, again with favorable
tax treatment.
Lastly, I would urge the Administration to continue its strong
support of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I hope these suggestions are helpful. If I can be of further
assistance, please let me know.
Cordially,
Matt
MATTHEW J. RINALDO
Member of Congress
MJR/p
EDWARD R. ROYBAL CALIFORNIA
CHAIRMAN
MATTHEW J. RINALDO. NEW JERSE
RANKING MINORITY MEMBER
CLAUDE PEPPER. FLORIDA
JOHN PAUL HAMMERSCHMIDT. ARKANSAS
MARIO BIAGGI. NEW YORK
RALPH REGULA. OHIO
DON BONKER. WASHINGTON
NORMAN D. SHUMWAY, CALIFORNIA
THOMAS J. DOWNEY. NEW YORK
HAROLD E. FORD, TENNESSEE
U.S. house of Representatives
OLYMPIA J. SNOWE. MAINE
JAMES J. FLORIO. NEW JERSEY
JAMES M. JEFFORDS. VERMONT
THOMAS J. TAUKE. IOWA
WILLIAM J. HUGHES. NEW JERSEY
GEORGE C WORTLEY. NEW YORK
MARILYN LLOYO. TENNESSEE
MARY ROSE OAKAR, OHIO
THOMAS A. LUKEN. OHIO
Select Committee on Aging
JIM COURTER. NEW JERSEY
CLAUDINE SCHNEIDER, AHODE ISLAND
THOMAS J. RIDGE. PENNSYLVANIA
BEVERLY B. BYRON. MARYLAND
CHRISTOPHER H SMITH, NEW JERSEY
DAN MICA. FLORIDA
HENRY A. WAXMAN, CALIFORNIA
Mashington, DC 20515
SHERWOOD L BOEHLERT. NEW YORK
JIM SAXTON. NEW JERSEY
MIKE SYNAR. OKLAHOMA
HELEN DELICH BENTLEY, MARYLAND
BUTLER DERRICK, SOUTH CAROLINA
BRUCE F. VENTO. MINNESOTA
Telephone: (202) 226-3375
JIM LIGHTFOOT, IDWA
HARRIS W. FAWELL ILLINOIS
BARNEY FRANK. MASSACHUSETTS
JAN MEYERS. KANSAS
TOM LANTOS. CALIFORNIA
BEN BLAZ. GUAM
RON WYDEN, OREGON
PATRICK L SWINDALL GEORGIA
GEO. W. CROCKETT. JR., MICHIGAN
PAUL 8. HENRY. MICHIGAN
WILLIAM HILL BONER, TENNESSEE
BILL SCHUETTE. MICHIGAN
HCE SKELTON. MISSOURI
November 2, 1989
FLOYD SPENCE. SOUTH CAROLINA
DENNIS M. HERTEL MICHIGAN
WILLIAM F. CLINGER. JR., PENNSYLVANIA
ROBERT A. BORSKI. PENNSYLVANIA
CONSTANCE A. MORELLA MARYLAND
RICK BOUCHER VIRGINIA
PATRICIA F. SAIKI, HAWAII
BEN ERDREICH, ALABAMA
BUDDY MACKAY. FLORIDA
NORMAN SISISKY. VIRGINIA
ROBERT E WISE. JR. WEST VIRGINIA
Dear Colleague:
PAUL SCHLEGEL
MINORITY STAFF DIRECTOR
BILL RICHARDSON, NEW MEXICO
HAROLD L VOLKMER, MISSOURI
BART GORDON, TENNESSEE
THOMAS J. MANTON. NEW YORK
The Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act controversy
TOMMY F. ROBINSON. ARKANSAS
RICHARD H. STALLINGS. IDAHO
will soon be behind us. Once it is, we will need to
JAMES McCLURE CLARKE NORTH CAROLINA
JOSEPH P. KENNEDY, 11, MASSACHUSETTS
address the real health care concern of senior
LOUISE M. SLAUGHTER NEW YORK
citizens: long-term nursing and home health care.
MANUEL R. MIRANDA, PHD.
STAFF DIRECTOR
In the near future, we will jointly introduce
legislation to do just that. We hope you
will join us as an original cosponsor.
The "Older Americans Long-term Care Insurance Act"
which we are introducing will put in place a
Federal-private partnership that will cover older
Americans who need long-term care. It would:
expand the availability of long-term care
insurance at affordable prices (as low as $15
a month for individuals at age 50) ;
provide consumer protection by mandating
certification of long-term care insurance
policies by the Secretary of HHS; and
O
mandate an annual report by the Secretary of
HHS on the availability of long-term care
policies.
We feel it is critical for Congress to develop
a positive, substantive approach to the long-term
care debate - particularly in the wake of senior
citizen frustration with the Medicare Catastrophic
Coverage Act.
The Older Americans Long-term Care Insurance
Act is just such a positive approach, and we urge
you to join us in introducing this legislation.
If you have any questions or would like to cosponsor,
please contact Andrea Levario at x63393.
Cordially,
Edward R. Roybal
Matthew J. Rinaldo
Chairman
Ranking Minority Member
CHARLES HATCHER GEORGIA,
CHAIRMAN
BILL EMERSON, MISSOURI,
LEON E. PANETTA, CALIFORNIA
RANKING MINORITY MEMBER
DAN GLICKMAN, KANSAS
TOM LEWIS, FLORIDA
HARLEY O. STAGGERS, JR., WEST VIRGINIA
MIKE ESPY, MISSISSIPPI
WALLY HERGER, CALIFORNIA
BILL SARPALIUS, TEXAS
E (KIKA) DE LA GARZA TEXAS,
U.S. House of Representatives
EDWARD R. MADIGAN, ILLINOIS,
EX OFFICIO MEMBER
EX OFFICIO MEMBER
Committee on Agriculture
LYNN F. GALLAGHER,
MINORITY CONSULTANT
JULIA PARADIS,
STAFF DIRECTOR
Subcommittee on Domestic Marketing,
Consumer Relations, and Autrition
Room 1301, Longworth House Office Building
Mashington, DC 20515
December 6, 1989
The Honorable Robert H. Michel
Office of the Republican Leader
United States House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob:
As I promised in my earlier letter to you of November 21,
1989, I do have some thoughts on specific items that can be
included in the Administration's objectives for 1990 and in
particular in the State of the Union Address. As you know I
serve as the Ranking Republican on both the Subcommittee on
Domestic Marketing, Consumer Relations, and Nutrition and the
Select Committee on Hunger. In that capacity I have come to
realize that the system we have of providing assistance to
families in need of help is complex, contradictory and confusing.
I feel that this is true both for families applying for help and
for those administering the several programs of the federal
government.
The federal government operates a multitude of assistance
programs which are under the jurisdiction of several
Committees of the Congress, several different federal agencies,
and in some cases, different state and local agencies. Some of
this disparity is appropriate, because of the different nature of
the programs. However, for major income and food assistance
programs, this lack of coordination and resolution of the
differences among the programs is extremely troublesome.
When a family is in need of help that need often crosses
program lines. Need for income assistance often means a need for
food assistance, and in some cases, a need for help to find and
to keep a job. The hurdles that families must scale in applying
for assistance are immense. They must go to different agencies,
meet different eligibility standards and abide by different rules
and regulations. That families are able to receive help is often
a reflection of their abilities, rather than the system presented
to them. Administrators of these programs have similar problems.
The resolution of the program differences often is not within
their ability to achieve. Many efforts have been made by states;
however, they may have gone as far as they can go.
- 2 -
I would like to see true reform of the welfare system so
that benefits can be provided to families in need of help in a
coordinated and simplified way and also provide employment and
training to able-bodied participants. We must maintain programs
for the aged and disabled; but we must simplify the programs we
have and provide a method to make taxpayers of those able-bodied
people now in need of help.
I would like to see this issue addressed in the
Administration's plans for 1990 and in the State of the Union
Address, particularly as it relates to the food stamp program and
the Aid To Families with Dependent Children Program. It is an
issue that reflects the concern Republicans have for needy
families and the knowledge that permanent improvement in the
lives of these families can be found only through bringing them
into employment.
I appreciate the opportunity to share these views with you
and will be pleased to offer any further assistance you feel is
necessary.
With kind regards.
Sincerely,
Bill Biee Emerson
Ranking Minority Member
PETER SMITH
VERMONT
DISTRICT OFFICES
THE MONTPELIER HOTEL
1020 LONGWORTH BUILDING
100 STATE STREET
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
MONTPELIER. VT 05602
202-225-4115
Congress of the United States
(802) 223-0521
MEMBER:
KIDDER NEWHOUSE BUILDING
COMMITTEE ON
18 BLAIR PARK
EDUCATION AND LABOR
house of Representatibes
WILLISTON, VT 05495
(802) 878-7712
COMMITTEE ON
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Mashington, DC 20515
THE OPERA HOUSE
SELECT COMMITTEE ON
67 MERCHANTS ROW
CHILDREN. YOUTH, AND FAMILIES
RUTLAND. VT 05701
(802) 773-5790
FEDERAL BUILDING
ROOM 324
December 13, 1989
204 MAIN STREET
BRATTLEBORO. VT 05301
(802) 254-7400
The DEC 1989
FEDERAL BUILDING
ROOM 5A
SOUTH STREET
Honorable Robert H. Michel
BENNINGTON. VT 05201
Minority Leader
(802) 442-2999
U.S. House of Representatives
H-232 The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob:
I have received your letter regarding the Republican agenda
for 1990 and am responding forthwith.
The overriding issue for 1990 will be the budget and deficit
reduction.
Given the events in Eastern Europe and increasing evidence
of rampant waste and poor business practices in the Department of
Defense, we have a significant opportunity to reduce defense
spending and reform Department of Defense management, thus
creating latitude for domestic priorities and Gramm-Rudman
requirements.
I recognize that this approach could be controversial to
some people and understand the danger in overreacting to events
in Eastern Europe. But, on the other hand, we need to recognize
the need for a Republican domestic agenda that is recognized as
being helpful and useful by the man in the street. And, defense
cuts are part of it.
In the Education and Labor Committee area, I think the
issues of school restructuring (my bill, H.R. 3347), the cost of a
postsecondary education, and national volunteer service (Connie
Morella has a bill on this) are all extremely important issues.
Finally we have to finish off the child care initiative and
pass a clean air bill.
I've omitted any conversation about the issue of abortion
and right to choose. We must craft a moderate position on this
issue. The issue of choice will be a major negative issue for our
Party's candidates if we continue as we are (witness the San Diego
elections of this week).
THIS STATIONERY PRINTED ON PAPER MADE WITH RECYCLED FIBERS
The Honorable Robert H. Michel -- Page 2
Hope this is helpful. If I can be of further help, please
don't hesitate to contact me. Thanks for asking in the first
place.
Peter Peter Smith
Sincerely,
Member of Congress
PS:mh
ARTHUR RAVENEL, JR.
DISTRICT OFFICES:
1ST DISTRICT, SOUTH CAROLINA
640 FEDERAL BUILDING
CHARLESTON, SC 29403
COMMITTEE ON
803-724-4175
ARMED SERVICES
Congress of the United States
263 HAMPTON STREET
SUBCOMMITTEES:
WALTERBORO, SC 29488
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS
House of Representatives
803-549-5395
AND FACILITIES
MILITARY PERSONNEL
Mashington, BC 20515
P.O. Box 1538
AND COMPENSATION
BEAUFORT, SC 29902
803-524-2166
WASHINGTON
FRICE:
Room 598
December 28, 1989
P.O. Box 550
CANDON BUILDING
ESTILL, SC 29918
125-3176
803-625-3177
JAN
The Honorable Robert H. Michel
Republican Leader
U. S. House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Leader,
Thank you for your kind letter of recent date.
Let me respectfully suggest that we recommend to
President Bush that he include a strong environmental
agenda as a prime Administration objective for 1990.
This is an area where Republican candidates for Congress.
particularly need help from the Administration. For-
tunately, to frame an impressive environmental stance,
the President has as a resource the good offices of
Mr. William K. Reilly who heads the Environmental
Protection Agency. As you know, Mr. Reilly was president
of the World Wildlife Fund and is one of the world's best
known and most respected environmentalists.
I firmly believe that environmental matters will
dominate the politics of the next decade and that this
is the year that we should bid for the high ground in
this vital and popular area. You can depend on me to
do my part.
Gener With every good wish,
Arthur Ravenel, Jr.
AR:ksw
cc: The Honorable Newt Gingrich
NOV 98 1989
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20515
BILL EMERSON
November 21, 1939
EIGHTH DISTRICT
MISSOURI
The Honorable Robert H. Michel
Office of the Republican Leader
United States House of Representatives
H-232, The Capitol
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Bob:
Thanks for your letter of November 17 about the year-
end and some suggestions that you would like to make for
inclusion in the President's State of the Union Address.
President Reagan never mentioned agriculture very much,
which was closely noted in the farm land, and 1 hope that we
can get. President Bush to comment on agriculture a little
bit more in his remarks. There are many positive things
about agriculture that should be noted. As the Ranking
Republican on the Nutrition Subcommittee, 1 will have some
particular remarks vis-a-vis food stamps and commodity
distribution programs and other feeding programs -- all of
which generally come under the heading of welfare items.
As you are well aware, I have worked a great deal,
particularly on the Agriculture Committee and the Select
Committee on Hunger, to de-politicize these sticky-wicket
issues and to attain some general bi-partisan cooperation.
In this, I think WE have been very successful.
The Honorable Robert H. Michel
November 21, 1989
Page 2
I am off to Missouri for Thanksgiving but will be
returning early next week at which time i would like to get
some thoughts together for you. This, then, is just to say
I do have some stuff for you and will be getting it to you
in a timely way.
with all good wishes for a happy Thanksgiving, I am
Sincerely,
Bice
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESSES: TIME LENGTHS
Wilson
December 2, 1913
40 min.
December 8, 1914
40 min.
December 7, 1915
60 min.
December 5, 1916
18 min.
December 4, 1917
30 min.
December 2, 1918
45 min.
December 2, 1919
written
December 7, 1920
written
Harding
December 4, 1921
50 min.
December 8, 1922
55 min.
Coolidge
December 6, 1923
65 min.
December 3, 1924
written
December 8, 1925
written
December 7, 1926
written
December 6, 1927
written
December 4, 1928
written
Hoover
December 3, 1929
written
December 2, 1930
written
December 8, 1931
written
December 6, 1932
written
F.D. Roosevelt
January 3, 1934
25 min.
January 4, 1935
45 min.
January 3, 1936
50 min.
January 6, 1937
35 min
January 3, 1938
50 min.
January 4, 1939
45 min.
January 3, 1940
35 min
January 6, 1941
40 min.
January 6, 1942
40 min.
January 7, 1943
40 min.
January 11, 1944
written
January 6, 1945
written
Truman
January 22, 1946
written
January 6, 1947
50 min.
Janaury 7, 1948
50 min.
January 5, 1949
30 min.
January 4, 1950
40 min.
January 8, 1951
written
January 9, 1952
40 min.
January 7, 1953
written
[[Farewell Address to the Nation
from Oval Office on 1/15/53]]
Eisenhower
February 2, 1953
60 min.
January 7, 1954
55 min.
January 6, 1955
60 min.
January 5, 1956
written
January 10, 1957
35 min.
January 9, 1958
45 min.
January 9, 1959
45 min.
January 7, 1060
40 min
January 12, 1961
written
[ [Farewell Address to the Nation
from Oval Office on 1/17/61]]
Kennedy
January 30, 1961
45 min.
January 11, 1962
60 min.
January 14, 1963
45 min.
L.B. Johnson
January 8, 1964
45 min.
January 4, 1965
50 min.
January 12, 1966
60 min.
January 10, 1967
75 min.
January 17, 1968
55 min.
January 14, 1969
45 min.
[[No Farewell Address]]
Nixon
[[On 4/14/69 he announced he would not send a State of the Union
message]]
January 22, 1970
40 min.
January 22, 1971
40 min.
January 20, 1972
30 min. *
February 2, 1973
series of written reports
January 30, 1974
45 min. **
* accompanied by 15,000 word message to Congress
** accompanied by 22,000 word message to Congress
Ford
January 15, 1975
45 min.
January 19, 1976
50 min.
January 12, 1977
50 min.
[No Farewell Address]]
Carter
January 19, 1978
45 min.
January 23, 1979
40 min.
January 23, 1980
40 min.
January 16, 1981
written
[ [Farewell Address to the Nation
from Oval Office on 1/14/81]]
Reagan
January 26, 1982
45 min
January 25, 1983
40 min.
January 25, 1984
45 min.
February 6, 1985
35 min.
February 4, 1986
30 min.
January 27, 1987
35 min. *
January 25, 1988
45 min. *
[ [Farewell Address to the Nation from Oval Office on 1/11/89]]
* according to the Clerk's Office, the 1987 and 1988
addresses were accompanied by a "legislative message,"
providing details of the programs outlined in the speech
INITIATIVES TALLY -- STATE OF THE UNION
FDR:
January 3, 1934
January 6, 1937
January 6, 1941
January 6, 1945 (radio address summary)
TRUMAN:
January 5, 1949
EISENHOWER:
January 7, 1954
January 10, 1957
I count 32'm
Peggy
KENNEDY:
January 11, 1962
JOHNSON:
Truman's finish the the 1949-will 1949 others am m Jeanie
January 4, 1965
NIXON:
January 22, 1970
January 28, 1973 (radio address budget summary)
FORD:
January 15, 1975
CARTER:
January 19, 1978
I White House Statement Announcing Recognition
of the Government of Korea. January I, 1949
ON DECEMBER 12, 1948, the United
set forth in the statement issued by this
Nations General Assembly adopted a reso-
Government on August 12, 1948, concerning
lution approving the conclusions of the re-
the new Korean Government, the United
port of the United Nations Temporary
States Government has decided to extend full
Commission on Korea and declaring in part
recognition to the Government of the Re-
"that there has been established a lawful
public of Korea. Incidental to this step it
government (the Government of the Re-
is anticipated that, by agreement with that
public of Korea), having effective control
government, the Mission of the United
and jurisdiction over that part of Korea
States Special Representative in Korea will
where the Temporary Commission was able
in the near future be raised to embassy
to observe and consult and in which the
rank.
great majority of the people of all Korea
In conformity with the General Assembly
reside; that this government is based on
Resolution of December 12, the United
elections which were a valid expression of
States Government will endeavor to afford
the free will of the electorate of that part of
every assistance and facility to the new
Korea and which were observed by the Tem-
United Nations Commission on Korea estab-
porary Commission; and that this is the
lished thereunder in its efforts to help the
only such government in Korea." The
Korean people and their lawful government
Resolution of December I2 concluded with
to achieve the goal of a free and united
the recommendation that member states and
Korea.
other nations take the foregoing facts into
consideration in establishing their relations
NOTE: The statement issued by the United States
with the Government of Korea.
on August 12, 1948, was released by the Depart-
ment of State. The text is published in the De-
In the light of this action by the General
partment of State Bulletin (vol. 19, p. 242).
Assembly, and taking into account the facts
2 Annual Message to the Congress on the State
of the Union. January 5, 1949
[ As delivered in person before a joint session ]
Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the
During the last I6 years, our people have
Congress:
been creating a society which offers new
I am happy to report to this 81st Congress
opportunities for every man to enjoy his
that the state of the Union is good. Our
share of the good things of life.
Nation is better able than ever before to meet
In this society, we are conservative about
the needs of the American people, and to
the values and principles which we cherish;
give them their fair chance in the pursuit of
but we are forward-looking in protecting
happiness. This great Republic is foremost
those values and principles and in extending
/ among the nations of the world in the search
their benefits. We have rejected the dis-
for peace.
credited theory that the fortunes of the
I
[2] Jan. 5
Public Papers of the Presidents
Nation should be in the hands of a privileged
people and the income of our farmers.
few. We have abandoned the "trickle-
These Federal policies have paid for them-
down" concept of national prosperity. In-
selves many times over. They have
stead, we believe that our economic system
strengthened the material foundations of our
should rest on a democratic foundation and
democratic ideals. Without them, our pres-
that wealth should be created for the bene-
ent prosperity would be impossible.
fit of all.
Reinforced by these policies, our private
The recent election shows that the people
enterprise system has reached new heights
of the United States are in favor of this
of production. Since the boom year of 1929,
kind of society and want to go on improving
while our population has increased by only
it.
20 percent, our agricultural production has
The American people have decided that
increased by 45 percent, and our industrial
poverty is just as wasteful and just as un-
production has increased by 75 percent.
necessary as preventable disease. We have
We are turning out far more goods and
pledged our common resources to help one
more wealth per worker than we have ever
another in the hazards and struggles of in-
done before.
dividual life. We believe that no unfair
This progress has confounded the gloomy
prejudice or artificial distinction should bar
prophets-at home and abroad-who pre-
any citizen of the United States of America
dicted the downfall of American capitalism.
from an education, or from good health, or
The people of the United States, going their
from a job that he is capable of performing.
own way, confident in their own powers,
The attainment of this kind of society
have achieved the greatest prosperity the
demands the best efforts of every citizen in
world has even seen.
every walk of life, and it imposes increasing
But, great as our progress has been, we
responsibilities on the Government.
still have a long way to go.
The Government must work with in-
As we look around the country, many of
dustry, labor, and the farmers in keeping
our shortcomings stand out in bold relief.
our economy running at full speed. The
We are suffering from excessively high
Government must see that every American
prices.
has a chance to obtain his fair share of our
Our production is still not large enough
increasing abundance. These responsibili-
to satisfy our demands.
ties go hand in hand.
Our minimum wages are far too low.
We cannot maintain prosperity unless we
Small business is losing ground to growing
have a fair distribution of opportunity and
monopoly.
a widespread consumption of the products
Our farmers still face an uncertain future.
of our factories and farms.
And too many of them lack the benefits of
Our Government has undertaken to meet
our modern civilization.
these responsibilities.
Some of our natural resources are still
We have made tremendous public invest-
being wasted.
ments in highways, hydroelectric power
We are acutely short of electric power,
projects, soil conservation, and reclamation.
although the means for developing such
We have established a system of social se-
power are abundant.
curity. We have enacted laws protecting
Five million families are still living in
the rights and the welfare of our working
slums and firetraps. Three million families
2
Harry S. Truman, 1949
Jan. 5 [2]
ne of our farmers.
share their homes with others.
promote maximum employment, production,
have paid for them-
Our health is far behind the progress of
and purchasing power. This means that the
over. They have
medical science. Proper medical care is so
Government is firmly committed to protect
ial foundations of our
expensive that it is out of the reach of the
business and the people against the dangers
thout them, our pres-
great majority of our citizens.
of recession and against the evils of infla-
e impossible.
Our schools, in many localities, are utterly
tion. This means that the Government must
policies, our private
inadequate.
adapt its plans and policies to meet changing
reached new heights
Our democratic ideals are often thwarted
circumstances.
he boom year of 1929,
by prejudice and intolerance.
At the present time, our prosperity is
has increased by only
Each of these shortcomings is also an op-
threatened by inflationary pressures at a
Itural production has
portunity-an opportunity for the Congress
number of critical points in our economy.
it, and our industrial
and the President to work for the good of
And the Government must be in a position
ased by 75 percent.
the people.
to take effective action at these danger spots.
far more goods and
Our first great opportunity is to protect
To that end, I recommend that the Congress
er than we have ever
our economy against the evils of "boom
enact legislation for the following purposes:
and bust."
First, to continue the power to control con-
onfounded the gloomy
This objective cannot be attained by gov-
sumer credit and enlarge the power to con-
nd abroad-who pre-
ernment alone. Indeed, the greater part of
trol bank credit.
American capitalism.
the task must be performed by individual
Second, to grant authority to regulate
ted States, going their
efforts under our system of free enterprise.
speculation on the commodity exchanges.
in their own powers,
We can keep our present prosperity, and
Third, to continue export control authority
reatest prosperity the
increase it, only if free enterprise and free
and to provide adequate machinery for its
government work together to that end.
enforcement.
progress has been, we
We cannot afford to float along ceaselessly
Fourth, to continue the priorities and
to go.
on a postwar boom until it collapses. It
allocation authority in the field of transporta-
the country, many of
is not enough merely to prepare to weather
tion.
nd out in bold relief.
a recession if it comes. Instead, government
Fifth, to authorize priorities and alloca-
5
from excessively high
and business must work together constantly
tions for key materials in short supply.
to achieve more and more jobs and more
Sixth, to extend and strengthen rent
still not large enough
and more production-which mean more
control.
ds.
and more prosperity for all the people.
Seventh, to provide standby authority to
ges are far too low.
The business cycle is man-made; and men
impose price ceilings for scarce commodities
sing ground to growing
of good will, working together, can smooth
which basically affect essential industrial
it out.
production or the cost of living, and to limit
ice an uncertain future.
So far as business is concerned, it should
unjustified wage adjustments which would
em lack the benefits of
plan for steady, vigorous expansion-seeking
force a break in an established price ceiling.
tion.
always to increase its output, lower its prices,
Eighth, to authorize an immediate study
ural resources are still
and avoid the vices of monopoly and re-
of the adequacy of production facilities for
striction. So long as business does this, it
materials in critically short supply, such as
nort of electric power,
will be contributing to continued prosperity,
steel; and, if found necessary, to authorize
$ for developing such
and it will have the help and encouragement
Government loans for the expansion of pro-
t.
of the Government.
duction facilities to relieve such shortages,
ilies are still living in
The Employment Act of 1946 pledges the
and to authorize the construction of such
Three million families
Government to use all its resources to
facilities directly, if action by. private in-
3
[2] Jan. 5
Public Papers of the Presidents
dustry fails to meet our needs.
cratic freedoms, means should be provided
The Economic Report, which I shall sub-
for setting up machinery for preventing
mit to the Congress shortly, will discuss in
strikes in vital industries which affect the
detail the economic background for these
public interest.
recommendations.
The Department of Labor should be re-
One of the most important factors in
built and strengthened and those units prop-
maintaining prosperity is the Government's
erly belonging within that department
fiscal policy. At this time, it is essential
should be placed in it.
not only that the Federal budget be balanced,
The health of our economy and its mainte-
but also that there be a substantial surplus
nance at high levels further require that the
to reduce inflationary pressures, and to per-
minimum wage fixed by law should be raised
12
mit a sizable reduction in the national debt,
to at least 75 cents an hour.
which now stands at $252 billion. I recom-
If our free enterprise economy is to be
mend, therefore, that the Congress enact
strong and healthy, we must reinvigorate
new tax legislation to bring in an additional
the forces of competition. We must assure
$4 billion of Government revenue. This
small business the freedom and opportunity
should come principally from additional
to grow and prosper. To this purpose, we
corporate taxes. A portion should come
should strengthen our antitrust laws by
13
from revised estate and gift taxes. Con-
closing those loopholes that permit monopo-
sideration should be given to raising per-
listic mergers and consolidations.
sonal income rates in the middle and upper
Our national farm program should be im-
brackets.
proved-not only in the interest of the
If we want to keep our economy running
farmers, but for the lasting prosperity of the
in high gear, we must be sure that every
whole Nation. Our goals should be
group has the incentive to make its full
abundant farm production and parity in-
contribution to the national welfare. At
come for agriculture. Standards of living
present, the working men and women of the
on the farm should be just as good as any-
Nation are unfairly discriminated against
where else in the country.
by a statute that abridges their rights, cur-
Farm price supports are an essential part
tails their constructive efforts, and hampers
of our program to achieve these ends. Price
our system of free collective bargaining.
supports should be used to prevent farm
That statute is the Labor-Management Rela-
price declines which are out of line with
tions Act of 1947, sometimes called the Taft-
general price levels, to facilitate adjustments
Hartley Act.
in production to consumer demands, and to
10
That act should be repealed!
promote good land use. Our price support
The Wagner Act should be reenacted.
legislation must be adapted to these objec-
However, certain improvements, which I
tives. The authority of the Commodity
recommended to the Congress 2 years ago,
Credit Corporation to provide adequate
are needed. Jurisdictional strikes and un-
storage space for crops should be restored.
justified secondary boycotts should be pro-
Our program for farm prosperity should
hibited. The use of economic force to
also seek to expand the domestic market for
decide issues arising out of the interpreta-
agricultural products, particularly among
tion of existing contracts should be pre-
low-income groups, and to increase and sta-
vented. Without endangering our demo-
bilize foreign markets.
4
Harry S. Truman, 1949
Jan. 5 [2]
We should give special attention to ex-
of our citizens. These opportunities lie in
as should be provided
inery for preventing
tending modern conveniences and services
the fields of social security, health, education,
to our farms. Rural electrification should
housing, and civil rights.
tries which affect the
be pushed forward. And in considering
The present coverage of the social security
f Labor should be re-
legislation relating to housing, education,
laws is altogether inadequate; the benefit
health, and social security, special attention
payments are too low. One-third of our
1 and those units prop-
should be given to rural problems.
workers are not covered. Those who re-
hin that department
Our growing population and the expan-
ceive old-age and survivors insurance bene-
sion of our economy depend upon the wise
fits receive an average payment of only $25
conomy and its mainte-
management of our land, water, forest, and
a month. Many others who cannot work
urther require that the
mineral wealth. In our present dynamic
because they are physically disabled are left
by law should be raised
economy, the task of conservation is not to
to the mercy of charity. We should expand
hour.
22
rise economy is to be
lockup our resources but to develop and im-
our social security program, both as to the
prove them. Failure, today, to make the
size of the benefits and the extent of cover-
we must reinvigorate
investments which are necessary to support
age, against the economic hazards due to
tion. We must assure
our progress in the future would be false
unemployment, old age, sickness, and
edom and opportunity
To this purpose, we
economy.
disability.
We must push forward the development
We must spare no effort to raise the gen-
ur antitrust laws by
of our rivers for power, irrigation, naviga-
eral level of health in this country. In a
:s that permit monopo-
16
tion, and flood control. We should apply
nation as rich as ours, it is a shocking fact
nsolidations.
the lessons of our Tennessee Valley experi-
that tens of millions lack adequate medical
program should be im-
ence to our other great river basins.
care. We are short of doctors, hospitals,
1 the interest of the
I again recommend action be taken by
nurses. We must remedy these shortages.
asting prosperity of the
the Congress to approve the St. Lawrence
Moreover, we need-and we must have
ur goals should be
23
Seaway and Power project. This is about
without further delay-a system of prepaid
luction and parity in-
the fifth time I have recommended it.
medical insurance which will enable every
Standards of living
We must adopt a program for the planned
American to afford good medical care.
be just as good as any-
use of the petroleum reserves under the sea,
It is equally shocking that millions of our
intry.
18
which are-and must remain-vested in the
children are not receiving a good education.
ts are an essential part
Federal Government. We must extend our
Millions of them are in overcrowded, obso-
hieve these ends. Price
used to prevent farm
19
programs of soil conservation. We must
lete buildings. We are short of teachers,
place our forests on a sustained yield basis,
because teachers' salaries are too low to at-
are out of line with
and encourage the development of new
tract new teachers, or to hold the ones we
o facilitate adjustments
21
sources of vital minerals.
have. All these school problems will be-
umer demands, and to
In all this we must make sure that the
come much more acute as a result of the
ise. Our price support
benefits of these public undertakings are
tremendous increase in the enrollment in our
adapted to these objec-
directly available to the people. Public
elementary schools in the next few years.
ty of the Commodity
power should be carried to consuming areas
I cannot repeat too strongly my desire for
to provide adequate
24
by public transmission lines where necessary
prompt Federal financial aid to the States
ps should be restored.
to provide electricity at the lowest possible
to help them operate and maintain their
farm prosperity should
he domestic market for
rates. Irrigation waters should serve family
school systems.
farms and not land speculators.
The governmental agency which now ad-
s, particularly among
The Government has still other opportu-
ministers the programs of health, education,
and to increase and sta-
and social security should be given full
25
nities-to help raise the standard of living
ts.
5
34-483-64
[2] Jan. 5
Public Papers of the Presidents
departmental status.
ship and discharge the obligations clearly
The housing shortage continues to be
placed upon it by the Constitution.
acute. As an immediate step, the Congress
I stand squarely behind those proposals.
should enact the provisions for low-rent pub-
Our domestic programs are the founda-
lic housing, slum clearance, farm housing,
tion of our foreign policy. The world today
and housing research which I have repeat-
looks to us for leadership because we have
edly recommended. The number of low-
so largely realized, within our borders, those
rent public housing units provided for in
benefits of democratic government for which
the legislation should be increased to I mil-
most of the peoples of the world are
lion units in the next 7 years. Even this
yearning.
number of units will not begin to meet our
We are following a foreign policy which
need for new housing.
is the outward expression of the democratic
Most of the houses we need will have to
faith we profess. We are doing what we
be built by private enterprise, without public
can to encourage free states and free peoples
subsidy. By producing too few rental units
throughout the world, to aid the suffer-
and too large a proportion of high-priced
ing and afflicted in foreign lands, and to
houses, the building industry is rapidly pric-
strengthen democratic nations against
ing itself out of the market. Building costs
aggression.
must be lowered.
The heart of our foreign policy is peace.
The Government is now engaged in a
We are supporting a world organization to
campaign to induce all segments of the
keep peace and a world economic policy to
building industry to concentrate on the pro-
create prosperity for mankind. Our guid-
duction of lower priced housing. Addi-
ing star is the principle of international co-
28
tional legislation to encourage such housing
operation. To this concept we have made
will be submitted.
a national commitment as profound as any-
The authority which I have requested, to
thing in history.
allocate materials in short supply and to
To it we have pledged our resources and
impose price ceilings on such materials,
our honor.
could be used, if found necessary, to channel
Until a system of world security is estab-
more materials into homes large enough for
lished upon which we can safely rely, we
family life at prices which wage earners can
cannot escape the burden of creating and
afford.
maintaining armed forces sufficient to deter
The driving force behind our progress is
aggression. We have made great progress
our faith in our democratic institutions.
in the last year in the effective organization
That faith is embodied in the promise of
of our Armed Forces, but further improve-
30
equal rights and equal opportunities which
ments in our national security legislation are
the founders of our Republic proclaimed to
necessary. Universal training is essential to
their countrymen and to the whole world.
the security of the United States.
The fulfillment of this promise is among
During the course of this session I shall
the highest purposes of government. The
have occasion to ask the Congress to con-
civil rights proposals I made to the 80th Con-
29
sider several measures in the field of foreign
gress, I now repeat to the 81st Congress.
policy. At this time, I recommend that we
They should be enacted in order that the
restore the Reciprocal Trade Agreements
31
Federal Government may assume the leader-
Act to full effectiveness, and extend it for
6
Harry S. Truman, 1949
Jan. 5 [2]
obligations clearly
3 years. We should also open our doors to
right to expect from our Government a fair
onstitution.
displaced persons without unfair discrimina-
deal.
nd those proposals.
tion.
In 1945, when I came down before the
ns are the founda-
It should be clear by now to all citizens
Congress for the first time on April 16, I
7. The world today
that we are not seeking to freeze the status
quoted to you King Solomon's prayer that
ip because we have
quo. We have no intention of preserving
he wanted wisdom and the ability to govern
n our borders, those
the injustices of the past. We welcome the
his people as they should be governed. I
vernment for which
constructive efforts being made by many
explained to you at that time that the task
of the world are
nations to achieve a better life for their
before me was one of the greatest in the
citizens. In the European recovery program,
history of the world, and that it was neces-
oreign policy which
in our good-neighbor policy and in the
sary to have the complete cooperation of
in of the democratic
United Nations, we have begun to batter
the Congress and the people of the United
are doing what we
down those national walls which block the
States.
ates and free peoples
economic growth and the social advancement
Well now, we are taking a new start with
to aid the suffer-
of the peoples of the world.
the same situation. It is absolutely essential
reign lands, and to
We believe that if we hold resolutely to
that your President have the complete co-
: nations against
this course, the principle of international co-
operation of the Congress to carry out the
operation will eventually command the ap-
great work that must be done to keep the
eign policy is peace.
proval even of those nations which are now
peace in this world, and to keep this country
orld organization to
seeking to weaken or subvert it.
prosperous.
1 economic policy to
We stand at the opening of an era which
The people of this great country have a
ankind. Our guid-
can mean either great achievement or ter-
right to expect that the Congress and the
: of international co-
rible catastrophe for ourselves and for all
President will work in closest cooperation
cept we have made
mankind.
with one objective-the welfare of the peo-
as profound as any-
The strength of our Nation must continue
ple of this Nation as a whole.
to be used in the interest of all our people
In the months ahead I know that I shall be
ed our resources and
rather than a privileged few. It must con-
able to cooperate with this Congress.
tinue to be used unselfishly in the struggle
Now, I am confident that the Divine
orld security is estab-
for world peace and the betterment of man-
Power which has guided us to this time of
can safely rely, we
kind the world over.
fateful responsibility and glorious opportu-
den of creating and
This is the task before us.
nity will not desert us now.
ces sufficient to deter
It is not an easy one. It has many compli-
With that help from Almighty God which
made great progress
cations, and there will be strong opposition
we have humbly acknowledged at every
effective organization
from selfish interests.
turning point in our national life, we shall
but further improve-
I hope for cooperation from farmers, from
be able to perform the great tasks which He
ecurity legislation are
labor, and from business. Every segment
now sets before us.
raining is essential to
of our population and every individual has a
NOTE: The President spoke at I p.m. His address
ted States.
was broadcast nationally.
of this session I shall
the Congress to con-
in the field of foreign
I recommend that we
I Trade Agreements
ss, and extend it for
7
2
Public Papers of the Presidents
Now, as all of you know, when you set out to build a house, you first
must plan and solidly construct a foundation on which to put it-if you
hope to live in that house in comfort and security. Since January 20th
of last year we have planned and built the foundation for our forth-
coming legislative program, constructed under the aims and purposes
I have been discussing with you tonight.
It is my legal duty to present this program, in the State of the Union
Message, to your elected representatives, the members of the House of
Representatives and of the Senate.
It is their duty, in turn, to give it careful study, before taking action
on its various recommendations.
It is your right to give it the same thoughtful consideration.
It is a program that does-not deal in pie-in-the-sky promises to all, nor
in bribes to a few, nor in threats to any. It is a program inspired by
zeal for the common good, dedicated to the welfare of every American
family-whatever its means of livelihood may be, or its social position,
or its ancestral strain, or its religious affiliation.
I am confident that it will meet with your approval.
When the State of the Union Message is delivered to the Congress
on Thursday, I hope you will agree with me that it presents an oppor-
tunity which will enable us, as a people-united and strong-to push
ever forward and to demonstrate to the world the great and good power
of free men and women.
We will build a stronger and better America-of greater security and
increasing prosperity for all.
3
У
Annual Message to the Congress on, the
State of the Union. Fanuary 7, 1954
[ Delivered in person before a joint session ]
Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Eighty-third Congress:
It is a high honor again to present to the Congress my views on the
state of the-Union and to recommend measures to advance the security,
prosperity, and well-being of the American people.
All branches of this Government-and I venture to say both of our
great parties-can support the general objective of the recommendations
6
idents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
3
to build a house, you first
I make today, for that objective is the building of a stronger America.
on which to put it-if you
A nation whose every citizen has good reason for bold hope; where effort
trity. Since January 20th
is rewarded and prosperity is shared; where freedom expands and peace
foundation for our forth-
is secure-that is what I mean by a stronger America.
er the aims and purposes
Toward this objective a real momentum has been developed during
this Administration's first year in office. We mean to continue that
in the State of the Union
momentum and to increase it. We mean to build a better future for
members of the House of
this nation.
Much for which we may be thankful has happened during the past
tudy, before taking action
year.
First of all we are deeply grateful that our sons no longer die on the
tful consideration.
distant mountains of Korea. Although they are still called from our
:he-sky promises to all, nor
homes to military service, they are no longer called to the field of battle.
is a program inspired by
The nation has just completed the most prosperous year in its history.
velfare of every American
The damaging effect of inflation on the wages, pensions, salaries and
be, or its social position,
savings of us all has been brought under control. Taxes have begun to
on.
go down. The cost of our government has been reduced and its work
r approval.
proceeds with some 183,000 fewer employees; thus the discouraging trend
delivered to the Congress
of modern governments toward their own limitless expansion has in our
that it presents an oppor-
case been reversed. The cost of armaments becomes less oppressive as
ited and strong-to push
we near our defense goals; yet we are militarily stronger every day.
the great and good power
During the year, creation of the new Cabinet Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare symbolized the government's permanent concern
a-of greater security and
with the human problems of our citizens.
Segregation in the armed forces and other Federal activities is on the
way out. We have also made progress toward its elimination in the
District of Columbia. These are steps in the continuing effort to eliminate
igress on the
inter-racial difficulty.
1954
Some developments beyond our shores have been equally encouraging.
Communist aggression, halted in Korea, continues to meet in Indo-china
nt session ]
the vigorous resistance of France and the Associated States, assisted by
timely aid from our country. In West Germany, in Iran, and in other
Eighty-third Congress:
areas of the world, heartening political victories have been won by the
Congress my views on the
forces of stability and freedom. Slowly but surely, the free world gathers
S to advance the security,
strength. Meanwhile, from behind the iron curtain, there are signs that
ople.
tyranny is in trouble and reminders that its structure is as brittle as its
enture to say both of our
surface is hard.
e of the recommendations
There has been in fact a great strategic change in the world during
7
Q 3
Public Papers of the Presidents
the past year. That precious intangible, the initiative, is becoming
ours. Our policy, not limited to mere reaction against crises provoked
by others, is free to develop along lines of our choice not only abroad,
but also at home. As a major theme for American policy during the
coming year, let our joint determination be to hold this new initiative
and to use it.
We shall use this initiative to promote three broad purposes: First,
to protect the freedom of our people; second, to maintain a strong,
growing economy; third, to concern ourselves with the human problems
of the individual citizen.
Only by active concern for each of these purposes can we be sure
that we are on the forward road to a better and a stronger America.
All my recommendations today are in furtherance of these three purposes.
I. FOREIGN AFFAIRS
American freedom is threatened so long as the world Communist
conspiracy exists in its present scope, power and hostility. More closely
than ever before, American freedom is interlocked with the freedom of
other people. In the unity of the free world lies our best chance to reduce
the Communist threat without war. In the task of maintaining this
unity and strengthening all its parts, the greatest responsibility falls
naturally on those who, like ourselves, retain the most freedom and
strength.
We shall, therefore, continue to advance the cause of freedom on
foreign fronts.
In the Far East, we retain our vital interest in Korea. We have
negotiated with the Republic of Korea a mutual security pact, which
develops our security system for the Pacific and which I shall promptly
submit to the Senate for its consent to ratification. We are prepared
to meet any renewal of armed aggression in Korea. We shall maintain
indefinitely our bases in Okinawa. I shall ask the Congress to authorize
continued material assistance to hasten the successful conclusion of the
struggle in Indo-china. This assistance will also bring closer the day
when the Associated States may enjoy the independence already assured
by France. We shall also continue military and economic aid to the
Nationalist Government of China.
In South Asia, profound changes are taking place in free nations
which are demonstrating their ability to progress through democratic
8
idents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
9 3
he initiative, is becoming
methods. They provide an inspiring contrast to the dictatorial methods
on against crises provoked
and backward course of events in Communist China. In these contin-
r choice not only abroad,
uing efforts, the free peoples of South Asia can be assured of the support
nerican policy during the
of the United States.
0 hold this new initiative
In the Middle East, where tensions and serious problems exist, we will
show sympathetic and impartial friendship.
ee broad purposes: First,
In Western Europe our policy rests firmly on the North Atlantic
d, to maintain a strong,
Treaty. It will remain so based as far ahead as we can see. Within its
with the human problems
organization, the building of a united European community, including
France and Germany, is vital to a free and self-reliant Europe. This
purposes can we be sure
will be promoted by the European Defense Community which offers
and a stronger America.
assurance of European security. With the coming of unity to Western
ce of these three purposes.
Europe, the assistance this Nation can render for the security of Europe
and the free world will be multiplied in effectiveness.
S the world Communist
In the Western Hemisphere we shall continue to develop harmonious
d hostility. More closely
and mutually beneficial cooperation with our neighbors. Indeed, solid
ked with the freedom of
friendship with all our American neighbors is a cornerstone of our entire
our best chance to reduce
policy.
task of maintaining this
In the world as a whole, the United Nations, admittedly still in a state
eatest responsibility falls
of evolution, means much to the United States. It has given uniquely
the most freedom and
valuable services in many places where violence threatened. It is the
only real world forum where we have the opportunity for international
ie cause of freedom on
presentation and rebuttal. It is a place where the nations of the world
can, if they have the will, take collective action for peace and justice.
st in Korea. We have
It is a place where the guilt can be squarely assigned to those who fail
ial security pact, which
to take all necessary steps to keep the peace. The United Nations
which I shall promptly
deserves our continued firm support.
tion. We are prepared
FOREIGN ASSISTANCE AND TRADE
rea. We shall maintain
In the practical application of our foreign policy, we enter the field of
ie Congress to authorize
foreign assistance and trade.
essful conclusion of the
Military assistance must be continued. Technical assistance must be
SO bring closer the day
maintained. Economic assistance can be reduced. However, our eco-
endence already assured
nomic programs in Korea and in a few other critical places of the world
id economic aid to the
are especially important, and I shall ask Congress to continue them in
the next fiscal year.
place in free nations
The forthcoming Budget Message will propose maintenance of the
:SS through democratic
Presidential power of transferability of all assistance funds and will ask
9
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
authority to merge these funds with the regular defense funds. It will
also propose that the Secretary of Defense have primary responsibility
for the administration of foreign military assistance in accordance with
2
the policy guidance of the Secretary of State.
The fact that we can now reduce our foreign economic assistance in
many areas is gratifying evidence that its objectives are being achieved.
By continuing to surpass her prewar levels of economic activity, Western
Europe gains self-reliance. Thus our relationship enters a new phase
which can bring results beneficial to our taxpayers and our allies alike,
if still another step is taken.
This step is the creation of a. healthier and freer system of trade and
payments within the free world-a system in which our allies can earn
their own way and our own economy can continue to flourish. The
free world can no longer afford the kinds of arbitrary restraints on trade
that have continued ever since the war. On this problem I shall submit
to the Congress detailed recommendations, after our Joint Commission
on Foreign Economic Policy has made its report.
ATOMIC ENERGY PROPOSAL
As we maintain our military strength during the coming year and
draw closer the bonds with our allies, we shall be in an improved posi-
tion to discuss outstanding issues with the Soviet Union. Indeed we
shall be glad to do so whenever there is a reasonable prospect of con- 3
structive results. In this spirit the atomic energy proposals of the United
States were recently presented to the United Nations General Assembly.
A truly constructive Soviet reaction will make possible a new start to-
ward an era of peace, and away from the fatal road toward atomic war.
DEFENSE
Since our hope is peace, we owe ourselves and the world a candid
explanation of the military measures we are taking to make that peace
secure.
As we enter this new year, our military power continues to grow.
This power is for our own defense and to deter aggression. We shall
not be aggressors, but we and our allies have and will maintain a massive
capability to strike back.
Here are some of the considerations in our defense planning:
First, while determined to use atomic power to serve the usages of
IO
dents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
9
3
ar defense funds. It will
peace, we take into full account our great and growing number of nuclear
ave primary responsibility
weapons and the most effective means of using them against an aggressor
tance in accordance with
if they are needed to preserve our freedom. Our defense will be stronger
if, under appropriate security safeguards, we share with our allies certain
of
gn economic assistance in
knowledge of the tactical use of our nuclear weapons. I urge the Con-
ctives are being achieved.
gress to provide the needed authority.
conomic activity, Western
Second, the usefulness of these new weapons creates new relationships
iship enters a new phase
between men and materials. These new relationships permit economies
ayers and our allies alike,
in the use of men as we build forces suited to our situation in the world
today. As will be seen from the Budget Message on January 21, the
freer system of trade and
airpower of our Navy and Air Force is receiving heavy emphasis.
which our allies can earn
Third, our armed forces must regain maximum mobility of action.
ontinue to flourish. The
Our strategic reserves must be centrally placed and readily deployable 6
bitrary restraints on trade
to meet sudden aggression against ourselves and our allies.
is problem I shall submit
Fourth, our defense must rest on trained manpower and its most
er our Joint Commission
economical and mobile use. A professional corps is the heart of any
ort.
security organization. It is necessarily the teacher and leader of those
who serve temporarily in the discharge of the obligation to help defend
AL
the Republic. Pay alone will not retain in the career service of our
ng the coming year and
armed forces the necessary numbers of long-term personnel. I strongly
be in an improved posi-
urge, therefore, a more generous use of other benefits important to service
1
viet Union. Indeed we
morale. Among these are more adequate living quarters and family
asonable prospect of con-
housing units and medical care for dependents.
y proposals of the United
Studies of military manpower have just been completed by the National
ations General Assembly.
Security Training Commission and a Committee appointed by the Direc-
possible a new start to-
tor of the Office of Defense Mobilization. Evident weaknesses exist in
road toward atomic war.
the state of readiness and organization of our reserve forces. Measures
to correct these weaknesses will be later submitted to the Congress.
Fifth, the ability to convert swiftly from partial to all-out mobilization
and the world a candid
is imperative to our security. For the first time, mobilization officials
king to make that peace
know what the requirements are for 1,000 major items needed for mili-
tary uses. These data, now being related to civilian requirements and
ower continues to grow.
our supply potential, will show us the gaps in our mobilization base.
ter aggression. We shall
Thus we shall have more realistic plant-expansion and stockpiling goals.
d will maintain a massive
We shall speed their attainment. This Nation is at last to have an
up-to-date mobilization base-the foundation of a sound defense program.
defense planning:
Another part of this foundation is, of course, our continental transport
:r to serve the usages of
system. Some of our vital heavy materials come increasingly from
II
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
Canada. Indeed our relations with Canada, happily always close,
involve more and more the unbreakable ties of strategic interdependence.
Both nations now need the St. Lawrence Seaway for security as well as
9
for economic reasons. I urge the Congress promptly to approve our
participation in its construction.
Sixth, military and non-military measures for continental defense must
be and are being strengthened. In the current fiscal year we are allo-
cating to these purposes an increasing portion of our effort, and in the
next fiscal year we shall spend nearly a billion dollars more for them
than in 1953.
An indispensable part of our continental security is our civil defense
effort. This will succeed only as we have the complete cooperation of
State Governors, Mayors, and voluntary citizen groups. With their
help we can advance a cooperative program which, if an attack should
come, would save many lives and lessen destruction.
The defense program recommended in the I955 Budget is consistent
with all of the considerations which I have just discussed. It is based
on a new military program unanimously recommended by the Joint
Chiefs of Staff and approved by me following consideration by the Na-
tional Security Council. This new program will make and keep America
strong in an age of peril. Nothing should bar its attainment.
The international and defense policies which I have outlined will
enable us to negotiate from a position of strength as we hold our resolute
course toward a peaceful world. We now turn to matters which are
normally characterized as domestic, well realizing that what we do abroad
affects every problem at home-from the amount of taxes to our very
state of mind.
INTERNAL SECURITY
Under the standards established for the new employee security pro-
gram, more than 2,200 employees have been separated from the Federal
government. Our national security demands that the investigation of
new employees and the evaluation of derogatory information respecting
present employees be expedited and concluded at the earliest possible
date. I shall recommend that the Congress provide additional funds
where necessary to speed these important procedures.
From the special employment standards of the Federal government
I turn now to a matter relating to American citizenship. The subver-
I2
dents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
g 3
a, happily always close,
sive character of the Communist Party in the United States has been
strategic interdependence.
clearly demonstrated in many ways, including court proceedings. We
ray for security as well as
should recognize by law a fact that is plain to all thoughtful citizens-
promptly to approve our
that we are dealing here with actions akin to treason-that when a citizen
knowingly participates in the Communist conspiracy he no longer holds
continental defense must
allegiance to the United States.
it fiscal year we are allo-
I recommend that Congress enact legislation to provide that a citizen
of our effort, and in the
of the United States who is convicted in the courts of hereafter conspiring
n dollars more for them
to advocate the overthrow of this government by force or violence be
treated as having, by such act, renounced his allegiance to the United
curity is our civil defense
States and forfeited his United States citizenship.
complete cooperation of
In addition, the Attorney General will soon appear before your Com-
zen groups. With their
mittees to present his recommendations for needed additional legal weap-
13
hich, if an attack should
ons with which to combat subversion in our country and to deal with
uction.
the question of claimed immunity.
1955 Budget is consistent
st discussed. It is based
II. STRONG ECONOMY
ommended by the Joint
I turn now to the second great purpose of our government: Along
consideration by the Na-
with the protection of freedom, the maintenance of a strong and growing
1 make and keep America
economy.
r its attainment.
The American economy is one of the wonders of the world. It under-
ch I have outlined will
girds our international position, our military security, and the standard
h as we hold our resolute
of living of every citizen. This Administration is determined to keep
rn to matters which are
our economy strong and to keep it growing.
hn that what we do abroad
At this moment we are in transition from a wartime to a peacetime
unt of taxes to our very
economy. I am confident that we can complete this transition without
serious interruption in our economic growth. But we shall not leave
this vital matter to chance. Economic preparedness is fully as important
i employee security pro-
to the nation as military preparedness.
parated from the Federal
Subsequent special messages and the economic report on January 28
that the investigation of
will set forth plans of the Administration and its recommendations for
y information respecting
Congressional action. These will include flexible credit and debt man-
i at the earliest possible
agement policies; tax measures to stimulate consumer and business spend-
provide additional funds
ing; suitable lending, guaranteeing, insuring, and grant-in-aid activities;
edures.
strengthened old-age and unemployment insurance measures; improved
the Federal government
agricultural programs; public-works plans laid well in advance; enlarged
itizenship. The subver-
opportunities for international trade and investment. This mere enu-
13
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
meration of these subjects implies the vast amount of study, coordination,
and planning, to say nothing of authorizing legislation, that altogether
make our economic preparedness complete.
If new conditions arise that require additional administrative or legis-
lative action, the Administration will still be ready. A government
always ready, as this is, to take well-timed and vigorous action, and a
business community willing, as ours is, to plan boldly and with confi-
dence, can between them develop a climate assuring steady economic
growth.
THE BUDGET
I shall submit to the Congress on January 21 the first budget prepared
by this Administration, for the period July I, 1954, through June 1955.
This budget is adequate to the current needs of the government. It
recognizes that a Federal budget should be a stabilizing factor in the
economy. Its tax and expenditure programs will foster individual in-
itiative and economic growth.
Pending the transmittal of my Budget Message, I shall mention here
only a few points about our budgetary situation.
First, one of our initial acts was to revise, with the cooperation of the
Congress, the Budget prepared before this Administration took office.
Requests for new appropriations were greatly reduced. In addition,
the spending level provided in that Budget for the current fiscal year has
been reduced by about $7,000,000,000. In the next fiscal year we
estimate a further reduction in expenditures of more than $5,000,000,000.
This will reduce the spending level over the two fiscal years by more than
$12,000,000,000. We are also reducing further our requests for new
appropriations.
Second, despite the substantial loss of revenue in the coming fiscal
year, resulting from tax reductions now in effect and tax adjustments
which I shall propose, our reduced spending will move the new budget
closer to a balance.
Third, by keeping new appropriation requests below estimated reve-
nues, we continue to reduce the tremendous accumulation of unfinanced
obligations incurred by the Government under past appropriations.
Fourth, until those claims on our Government's revenues are further
reduced, the growth in the public debt cannot be entirely stopped. Be-
cause of this-because the government's bills have to be paid every
14
sidents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
3
ount of study, coordination,
month, while the tax money to pay them comes in with great unevenness
legislation, that altogether
within the fiscal year-and because of the need for flexibility to manage
this enormous debt, I find it necessary to renew my request for an increase
nal administrative or legis-
in the statutory debt limit.
e ready. A government
TAXES
ad vigorous action, and a
The new budget provides for a lower level of taxation than has pre-
in boldly and with confi-
vailed in preceding years. Six days ago individual income taxes were
assuring steady economic
reduced and the excess profits tax expired. These tax reductions are
justified only because of the substantial reductions we already have made
and are making in governmental expenditures. As additional reduc-
the first budget prepared
tions in expenditures are brought gradually but surely into sight, further
954, through June 1955.
reductions in taxes can and will be made. When budget savings and
S of the government. It
sound governmental financing are assured, tax burdens should be reduced
stabilizing factor in the
so that taxpayers may spend their own money in their own way.
will foster individual in-
While we are moving toward lower levels of taxation we must thor-
oughly revise our whole tax system. The groundwork for this revision
age, I shall mention here
has already been laid by the Committee on Ways and Means of the
ion.
House of Representatives, in close consultation with the Department of
h the cooperation of the
the Treasury. We should now remove the more glaring tax inequities,
ministration took office.
particularly on small taxpayers; reduce restraints on the growth of small
reduced. In addition,
business; and make other changes that will encourage initiative, enter-
he current fiscal year has
prise and production. Twenty-five recommendations toward these ends
the next fiscal year we
will be contained in my budget message.
ore than $5,000,000,000.
Without attempting to summarize these manifold reforms, I can here
fiscal years by more than
illustrate their tendency. For example, we propose more liberal tax
er our requests for new
treatment for dependent children who work, for widows or widowers
with dependent children, and for medical expenses. For the business
ue in the coming fiscal
that wants to expand or modernize its plant, we propose liberalized tax
ct and tax adjustments
treatment of depreciation, research and development expenses, and
II move the new budget
retained earnings.
Because of the present need for revenue the corporation income tax
$ below estimated reve-
should be kept at the current rate of 52% for another year, and the
excise taxes scheduled to be reduced on April first, including those on
mulation of unfinanced
liquor, tobacco, gasoline and automobiles, should be continued at present
past appropriations.
rates.
:'s revenues are further
Immediate extension of the Renegotiation Act of 1951 is also needed
entirely stopped. Be-
to eliminate excessive profits and to prevent waste of public funds in
have to be paid every
the purchase of defense materials.
I5
I 3
Public Papers of the Presidents
AGRICULTURE
The well being of our 160 million people demands a stable and
prosperous agriculture. Conversely, every farmer knows he cannot
prosper unless all America prospers. As we seek to promote increases
in our standard of living, we must be sure that the farmer fairly shares
in that increase. Therefore, a farm program promoting stability and
prosperity in all elements of our agriculture is urgently needed.
Agricultural laws now in effect successfully accomplished their war-
time purpose of encouraging maximum production of many crops.
Today, production of these crops at such levels far exceeds present de-
mand. Yet the laws encouraging such production are still in effect.
The storage facilities of the Commodity Credit Corporation bulge with
surplus stocks of dairy products, wheat, cotton, corn, and certain vege-
table oils; and the Corporation's presently authorized borrowing author-
ity-$6,750,000,000-is nearly exhausted. Some products, priced out
of domestic markets, and others, priced out of world markets, have piled
up in government hands. In a world in which millions of people are
hungry, destruction of food would, of course, be unconscionable. Yet
surplus stocks continue to threaten the market and in spite of the acreage
controls authorized by present law, surpluses will continue to accumulate.
We confront two alternatives. The first is to impose still greater
acreage reductions for some crops and apply rigid Federal controls over
the use of the diverted acres. This will regiment the production of every
basic agricultural crop. It will place every producer of those crops
under the domination and control of the Federal government in Wash-
ington. This alternative is contrary to the fundamental interests, not
only of the farmer, but of the Nation as a whole. Nor is it a real
solution to the problem facing us.
The second alternative is to permit the market price for these agri-
cultural products gradually to have a greater influence on the planning
of production by farmers, while continuing the assistance of the govern-
ment. This is the sound approach. To make it effective, surpluses
existing when the new program begins must be insulated from the normal
channels of trade for special uses. These uses would include school lunch
programs, disaster relief, emergency assistance to foreign friends, and of
particular importance the stockpiling of reserves for a national emergency.
Building on the agricultural laws of 1948 and 1949, we should estab-
16
idents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
I
3
lish a price support program with enough flexibility to attract the pro-
le demands a stable and
duction of needed supplies of essential commodities and to stimulate the
armer knows he cannot
consumption of those commodities that are flooding American markets.
seek to promote increases
Transition to modernized parity must be accomplished gradually. In
11 the farmer fairly shares
no case should there be an abrupt downward change in the dollar level
1 promoting stability and
or in the percentage level of price supports.
$ urgently needed.
Next Monday I shall transmit to the Congress my detailed recom-
accomplished their war-
mendations embodying this approach. They have been developed
oduction of many crops.
through the cooperation of innumerable individuals vitally interested in
Is far exceeds present de-
agriculture. My special message on Monday will briefly describe the
luction are still in effect.
consultative and advisory processes to which this whole program has been
I Corporation bulge with
subjected during the past ten months.
1, corn, and certain vege-
I have chosen this farm program because it will build markets, protect
torized borrowing author-
the consumers' food supply, and move food into consumption instead of
ome products, priced out
into storage. It is a program that will remove the threat to the farmer
world markets, have piled
of these overhanging surpluses, a program, also, that will stimulate pro-
ch millions of people are
duction when a commodity is scarce and encourage consumption when
be unconscionable. Yet
nature is bountiful. Moreover, it will promote the individual freedom,
nd in spite of the acreage
responsibility, and initiative which distinguish American agriculture.
1 continue to accumulate.
And, by helping our agriculture. achieve full parity in the market, it
$ to impose still greater
promises our farmers a higher and steadier financial return over the years
gid Federal controls over
than any alternative plan.
II the production of every
CONSERVATION
producer of those crops
Part of our Nation's precious heritage is its natural resources. It is the
ral government in Wash-
common responsibility of Federal, state, and local governments to improve
indamental interests, not
and develop them, always working in the closest harmony and partnership.
whole. Nor is it a real
All Federal conservation and resource development projects are being
reappraised. Sound projects now under way will be continued. New
ket price for these agri-
projects in which the Federal Government has a part must be economi-
ifluence on the planning
cally sound, with local sharing of cost wherever appropriate and feasible.
assistance of the govern-
In the next fiscal year work will be started on twenty-three projects that
ke it effective, surpluses
meet these standards. The Federal Government will continue to con-
usulated from the normal
struct and operate economically sound flood control, power, irrigation
ould include school lunch
and water supply projects wherever these projects are beyond the capacity
0 foreign friends, and of
of local initiative, public or private, and consistent with the needs of the
for a national emergency.
whole Nation.
i 1949, we should estab-
Our conservation program will also take into account the important
17
I
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
role played by farmers in protecting our soil resources. I recommend
enactment of legislation to strengthen agricultural conservation and up-
stream flood prevention work, and to achieve a better balance with major
flood control structures in the down-stream areas.
Recommendations will be made from time to time for the adoption
of:
A uniform and consistent water resources policy;
A revised public lands policy; and
A sound program for safeguarding the domestic production of critical
and strategic metals and minerals.
In addition we shall continue to protect and improve our national
forests, parks, monuments and other natural and historic sites, as well
as our fishery and wildlife resources. I hope that pending legislation
to improve the conservation and management of publicly-owned grazing
lands in national forests will soon be approved by the Congress.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
To protect the vital interest of every citizen in a safe and adequate
highway system, the Federal Government is continuing its central role
in the Federal Aid Highway Program. So that maximum progress can
be made to overcome present inadequacies in the Interstate Highway
System, we must continue the Federal gasoline tax at two cents per gallon.
This will require cancellation of the ½ decrease which otherwise will
become effective April 1st, and will maintain revenues so that an ex-
panded highway program can be undertaken.
When the Commission on Intergovernmental Relations completes its
study of the present system of financing highway construction, I shall
promptly submit it for consideration by the Congress and the governors
of the states.
POST OFFICE
It is apparent that the substantial savings already made, and to be
made, by the Post Office Department cannot eliminate the postal deficit.
I recommend, therefore, that the Congress approve the bill now pending
in the House of Representatives providing for the adjustment of certain
postal rates. To handle the long term aspects of this, I also recommend
that the Congress create a permanent commission to establish fair and
reasonable postal rates from time to time in the future.
18
is
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
3
surces. I recommend
III. HUMAN PROBLEMS
conservation and up-
Along with the protection of freedom and maintenance of a strong
ter balance with major
and growing economy, this Administration recognizes a third great pur-
S.
pose of government: concern for the human problems of our citizens.
time for the adoption
In a modern industrial society, banishment of destitution and cushioning
the shock of personal disaster on the individual are proper concerns of
cy;
all levels of government, including the federal government. This is
especially true where remedy and prevention alike are beyond the indi-
production of critical
vidual's capacity.
LABOR AND WELFARE
improve our national
Of the many problems in this area, those I shall first discuss are of
historic sites, as well
particular concern to the members of our great labor force, who with
at pending legislation
their heads, hearts and hands produce so much of the wealth of our
publicly-owned grazing
country.
the Congress.
Protection against the hazards of temporary unemployment should
be extended to some 6½ millions of workers, including civilian Federal
workers, who now lack this safeguard. Moreover, the Secretary of
1 a safe and adequate
Labor is making available to the states studies and recommendations
tinuing its central role
in the fields of weekly benefits, periods of protection and extension of
naximum progress can
coverage. The Economic Report will consider the related matter of
ne Interstate Highway
minimum wages and their coverage.
at two cents per gallon.
The Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 is basically a sound
e which otherwise will
law. However, six years of experience have revealed that in some
:venues so that an ex-
respects it can be improved. On January II, I shall forward to the
Congress suggestions for changes designed to reinforce the basic objec-
Relations completes its
tives of the Act.
y construction, I shall
Our basic social security program, the Old-Age and Survivors Insur-
,ress and the governors
ance system, to which individuals contribute during their productive
years and receive benefits based on previous earnings, is designed to
shield them from destitution. Last year I recommended extension of
eady made, and to be
the social insurance system to include more than 10,000,000 additional
inate the postal deficit.
persons. I ask that this extension soon be accomplished. This and
e the bill now pending
other major improvements in the insurance system will bring substantial
= adjustment of certain
benefit increases and broaden the membership of the insurance system,
this, I also recommend
thus diminishing the need for Federal grants-in-aid for such purposes.
n to establish fair and
A new formula will therefore be proposed, permitting progressive re-
future.
duction in such grants as the need for them declines.
I9
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
Federal grant-in-aid welfare programs, now based on widely varying
formulas, should be simplified. Concrete proposals on fourteen of them
will be suggested to the appropriate Committees.
The program for rehabilitation of the disabled especially needs
strengthening. Through special vocational training, this program pres-
ently returns each year some 60,000 handicapped individuals to produc-
tive work. Far more disabled people can be saved each year from
idleness and dependence if this program is gradually increased. My
more detailed recommendations on this and the other social insurance
problems I have mentioned will be sent to the Congress on January 14th.
HEALTH
I am flatly opposed to the socialization of medicine. The great need
for hospital and medical services can best be met by the initiative of
private plans. But it is unfortunately a fact that medical costs are rising
and already impose severe hardships on many families. The Federal
Government can do many helpful things and still carefully avoid the
socialization of medicine.
The Federal Government should encourage medical research in its
battle with such mortal diseases as cancer and heart ailments, and should
continue to help the states in their health and rehabilitation programs.
The present Hospital Survey and Construction Act should be broadened
in order to assist in the development of adequate facilities for the chron-
ically ill, and to encourage the construction of diagnostic centers, rehabili-
tation facilities, and nursing homes. The war on disease also needs a
better working relationship between Government and private initiative.
Private and non-profit hospital and medical insurance plans are already
in the field, soundly based on the experience and initiative of the people
in their various communities.
A limited Government reinsurance service would permit the private
and non-profit insurance companies to offer broader protection to more
of the many families which want and should have it. On January 18
I shall forward to the Congress a special message presenting this Admin-
istration's health program in its detail.
EDUCATION
Youth-our greatest resource-is being seriously neglected in a vital
respect. The nation as a whole is not preparing teachers or building
20
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
3
nts
schools fast enough to keep up with the increase in our population.
ased on widely varying
The preparation of teachers as, indeed, the control and direction of
als on fourteen of them
public education policy, is a state and local responsibility. However, the
Federal Government should stand ready to assist states which demon-
abled especially needs
strably cannot provide sufficient school buildings. In order to appraise
ing, this program pres-
the needs, I hope that this year a conference on education will be held in
individuals to produc-
each state, culminating in a national conference. From these conferences
saved each year from
on education, every level of government-from the Federal Government
dually increased. My
to each local school board-should gain the information with which to
other social insurance
attack this serious problem.
agress on January 14th.
HOUSING
The details of a program to enlarge and improve the opportunities for
icine. The great need
our people to acquire good homes will be presented to the Congress by
et by the initiative of
special message on January 25.
medical costs are rising
This program will include:
amilies. The Federal
Modernization of the home mortgage insurance program of the Fed-
ill carefully avoid the
eral Government;
Redirection of the present system of loans and grants-in-aid to cities
hedical research in its
for slum clearance and redevelopment;
t ailments, and should
Extension of the advantages of insured lending to private credit en-
habilitation programs.
gaged in this task of rehabilitating obsolete neighborhoods;
t should be broadened
Insurance of long-term, mortgage loans, with small down payment for
acilities for the chron-
low-income families; and, until alternative programs prove more effective,
nostic centers, rehabili-
Continuation of the public housing program adopted in the Housing
1 disease also needs a
Act of 1949.
and private initiative.
If the individual, the community, the State and federal governments
ince plans are already
will alike apply themselves, every American family can have a decent
nitiative of the people
home.
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION
Id permit the private
The internal reorganization of the Veterans Administration is pro-
er protection to more
ceeding with my full approval. When completed, it will afford a single
: it. On January 18
agency whose services, including medical facilities, will be better adapted
resenting this Admin-
to the needs of those 20,000,000 veterans to whom this Nation owes so
much.
SUFFRAGE
neglected in a vital
My few remaining recommendations all relate to a basic right of our
teachers or building
citizens-that of being represented in the decisions of the government.
21
51986-60-5
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
I hope that the States will cooperate with the Congress in adopting
uniform standards in their voting laws that will make it possible for our
citizens in the armed forces overseas to vote.
In the District of Columbia the time is long overdue for granting
national suffrage to its citizens and also applying the principle of local
self-government to the Nation's Capital. I urge the Congress to move
promptly in this direction and also to revise District revenue measures
to provide needed public works improvements.
The people of Hawaii are ready for statehood. I renew my request
for this legislation in order that Hawaii may elect its State officials and
its representatives in Washington along with the rest of the country this
fall.
For years our citizens between the ages of 18 and 21 have, in time of
peril, been summoned to fight for America. They should participate
in the political process that produces this fateful summons. I urge Con-
gress to propose to the States a constitutional amendment permitting
citizens to vote when they reach the age of 18.
CONCLUSION
I want to add one final word about the general purport of these many
recommendations.
Our government's powers are wisely limited by the Constitution; but
quite apart from those limitations, there are things which no govern-
ment can do or should try to do.
A government can strive, as ours is striving, to maintain an economic
system whose doors are open to enterprise and ambition-those personal
qualities on which economic growth largely depends. But enterprise
and ambition are qualities which no government can supply. Fortu-
nately no American government need concern itself on this score; our
people have these qualities in good measure.
A government can sincerely strive for peace, as ours is striving, and
ask its people to make sacrifices for the sake of peace. But no govern-
ment can place peace in the hearts of foreign rulers. It is our duty
then to ourselves and to freedom itself to remain strong in all those
ways-spiritual, economic, military-that will give us maximum safety
against-the possibility of aggressive action by others.
No government can inoculate its people against the fatal materialism
that plagues our age. Happily, our people, though blessed with more
22
dents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1954
Ч 4
the Congress in adopting
material goods than any people in history, have always reserved their
1 make it possible for our
first allegiance to the kingdom of the spirit, which is the true source of
that freedom we value above all material things.
ng overdue for granting
But a government can try, as ours tries, to sense the deepest aspira-
ing the principle of local
tions of the people, and to express them in political action at home and
ge the Congress to move
abroad. So long as action and aspiration humbly and earnestly seek
District revenue measures
favor in the sight of the Almighty, there is no end to America's forward
S.
road; there is no obstacle on it she will not surmount in her march
od. I renew my request
toward a lasting peace in a free and prosperous world.
lect its State officials and
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
e rest of the country this
NOTE: This is the text of the document 2d sess.).
: and 21 have, in time of
which the President signed and trans-
The Address as reported from the floor
mitted to the Senate and the House of
appears in the Congressional Record
They should participate
Representatives (H. Doc. 251, 83d Cong.,
(vol. 100, p. 62).
summons. I urge Con-
1 amendment permitting
8.
4
I
Special Message to the Congress on
Agriculture. Fanuary II, I954
al purport of these many
To the Congress of the United States:
I submit herewith for the consideration of the Congress a number of
by the Constitution; but
recommendations affecting the Nation's agriculture.
things which no govern-
PART I
to maintain an economic
The agricultural problem today is as serious and complex as any with
ambition-those personal
which the Congress will deal in this session. Immediate action is needed
depends. But enterprise
to arrest the growing threat to our present agricultural program and to
ent can supply. Fortu-
prevent the subsequent economic distress that could follow in our farming
itself on this score; our
areas.
I have given assurances to the American farmer that support of
as ours is striving, and
existing agricultural laws, including continuance through 1954 of price
peace. But no govern-
supports on basic commodities at 90 percent of parity, was a moral and
1 rulers. It is our duty
legal commitment that must be upheld. Along with the fulfillment of
nain strong in all those
this commitment, an unending effort has proceeded in the past twelve
give us maximum safety
months to provide the American farmer his full share of the income pro-
thers.
duced by a stable, prosperous country. This effort requires for success
nst the fatal materialism
a new farm program adjusted to existing conditions in the Nation's
hough blessed with more
agriculture.
23
nts
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1957
I
8
ely with our friends
7
g
Statement by the President on the
L the purposes and
promptly to send a
Resignation of Sir Anthony Eden.
the cooperation we
Fanuary 9, I957
I HAVE JUST BEEN INFORMED of the official announce-
ourdens and indeed
ment of the resignation of Sir Anthony Eden as head of Her
t the area will not
Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom.
ossly distorting our
Sir Anthony is an old and good friend. During the days of
e seen our nation's
World War II and since, there have been few periods when he
and their fortitude
and I were not engaged in the study of some problem common
gardless of hostile
to our two countries. Through the years I have developed for
him a great respect and admiration.
de in the cause of
As Foreign Minister and then as Prime Minister, Sir Anthony
has been a dedicated leader in the cause of freedom. He is a
'ar II, been meas-
ds of the precious
staunch believer in the need for unity among the community of
great areas of the
free nations, especially between his country and ours.
Mrs. Eisenhower and I extend to him and to Lady Eden our
: be thrown away.
President and the
hopes that Sir Anthony will soon fully recover his health so that
serve the vital in-
he may have many useful years of happiness ahead.
Id.
gain our national
8
У
Annual Message to the Congress on the State
P respect for the
ever great, how-
of the Union. Fanuary 10, 1957
) this purpose we
n, ourselves.
Delivered in person before a joint session ]
EISENHOWER
To the Congress of the United States:
I appear before the Congress today to report on the State of
st sess.).
the Union and the relationships of the Union to the other nations
reported from the
the Congressional
of the world. I come here, firmly convinced that at no time in
P. 181).
the history of the Republic have circumstances more emphati-
cally underscored the need, in all echelons of government, for
vision and wisdom and resolution.
You meet in a season of stress that is testing the fitness of polit-
17
9 8
Public Papers of the Presidents
ical systems and the validity of political philosophies. Each stress
stems in part from causes peculiar to itself. But every stress is a
reflection of a universal phenomenon.
In the world today, the surging and understandable tide of
nationalism is marked by widespread revulsion and revolt against
tyranny, injustice, inequality and poverty. As individuals, joined
in a common hunger for freedom, men and women and even
children pit their spirit against guns and tanks. On a larger
scale, in an ever more persistent search for the self-respect of
authentic sovereignty and the economic base on which national
independence must rest, peoples sever old ties; seek new alliances;
experiment-sometimes dangerously-in their struggle to satisfy
these human aspirations.
Particularly, in the past year, this tide has changed the pattern
of attitudes and thinking among millions. The changes already
accomplished foreshadow a world transformed by the spirit of
freedom. This is no faint and pious hope. The forces now at
work in the minds and hearts of men will not be spent through
many years. In the main, today's expressions of nationalism
are, in spirit, echoes of our forefathers' struggle for independence.
This Republic cannot be aloof to these events heralding a new
epoch in the affairs of mankind.
Our pledged word, our enlightened self-interest, our character
as a Nation commit us to a high role in world affairs: a role of
vigorous leadership, ready strength, sympathetic understanding.
The State of the Union, at the opening of the 85th Congress
continues to vindicate the wisdom of the principles on which this
Republic is founded. Proclaimed in the Constitution of the Na-
tion and in many of our historic documents, and founded in devout
religious convictions, these principles enunciate:
A vigilant regard for human liberty.
A wise concern for human welfare.
A ceaseless effort for human progress.
Fidelity to these principles, in our relations with other peoples,
has won us new friendships and has increased our opportunity for
18
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1957
I 8
S. Each stress
service within the family of nations. The appeal of these prin-
very stress is a
ciples is universal, lighting fires in the souls of men everywhere.
We shall continue to uphold them, against those who deny them
adable tide of
and in counselling with our friends.
revolt against
At home, the application of these principles to the complex
viduals, joined
problems of our national life has brought us to an unprecedented
nen and even
peak in our economic prosperity and has exemplified in our way
On a larger
of life the enduring human values of mind and spirit.
self-respect of
Through the past four years these principles have guided the
which national
legislative programs submitted by the Administration to the Con-
new alliances;
gress. As we attempt to apply them to current events, domestic
ggle to satisfy
and foreign, we must take into account the complex entity that
is the United States of America; what endangers it; what can
ed the pattern
improve it.
anges already
The visible structure is our American economy itself. After
/ the spirit of
more than a century and a half of constant expansion, it is still
forces now at
rich in a wide variety of natural resources. It is first among na-
spent through
tions in its people's mastery of industrial skills. It is productive
f nationalism
beyond our own needs of many foodstuffs and industrial products.
independence.
It is rewarding to all our citizens in opportunity to earn and to
ralding a new
advance in self-realization and in self-expression. It is fortunate
in its wealth of educational and cultural and religious centers. It
our character
is vigorously dynamic in the limitless initiative and willingness
airs: a role of
to venture that characterize free enterprise. It is productive of a
nderstanding.
widely shared prosperity.
35th Congress
Our economy is strong, expanding, and fundamentally sound.
on which this
But in any realistic appraisal, even the optimistic analyst will
on of the Na-
realize that in a prosperous period the principal threat to efficient
ded in devout
functioning of a free enterprise system is inflation. We look back
on four years of prosperous activities during which prices, the
cost of living, have been relatively stable-that is, inflation has
been held in check. But it is clear that the danger is always
present, particularly if the government might become profligate
other peoples,
in its expenditures or private groups might ignore all the possible
oportunity for
results on our economy of unwise struggles for immediate gain.
I9
9 8
Public Papers of the Presidents
This danger requires a firm resolution that the Federal Gov-
ernment shall utilize only a prudent share of the Nation's re-
sources, that it shall live within its means, carefully measuring
against need alternative proposals for expenditures.
Through the next four years, I shall continue to insist that the
executive departments and agencies of Government search out
additional ways to save money and manpower. I urge that the
Congress be equally watchful in this matter.
We pledge the Government's share in guarding the integrity
of the dollar. But the Government's efforts cannot be the entire
campaign against inflation, the thief that can rob the individual
of the value of the pension and social security he has earned during
his productive life. For success, Government's efforts must be
paralleled by the attitudes and actions of individual citizens.
I have often spoken of the purpose of this Administration to
serve the national interest of 170 million people. The national
interest must take precedence over temporary advantages which
may be secured by particular groups at the expense of all the
people.
In this regard I call on leaders in business and in labor to think
well on their responsibility to the American people. With all
elements of our society, they owe the Nation a vigilant guard
against the inflationary tendencies that are always at work in a
dynamic economy operating at today's high levels. They can
powerfully help counteract or accentuate such tendencies by their
wage and price policies.
Business in its pricing policies should avoid unnecessary price
increases especially at a time like the present when demand in
so many areas presses hard on short supplies. A reasonable profit
is essential to the new investments that provide more jobs in an
expanding economy. But business leaders must, in the national
interest, studiously avoid those price rises that are possible only
because of vital or unusual needs of the whole nation.
If our economy is to remain healthy, increases in wages and
other labor benefits, negotiated by labor and management, must
20
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1957
8
: Federal Gov-
be reasonably related to improvements in productivity. Such
le Nation's re-
increases are beneficial, for they provide wage earners with greater
ully measuring
purchasing power. Except where necessary to correct obvious
res.
injustices, wage increases that outrun productivity, however, are
insist that the
an inflationary factor. They make for higher prices for the public
ent search out
generally and impose a particular hardship on those whose welfare
urge that the
depends on the purchasing power of retirement income and sav-
ings. Wage negotiations should also take cognizance of the right
g the integrity
of the public generally to share in the benefits of improvements
it be the entire
in technology.
the individual
Freedom has been defined as the opportunity for self-discipline.
earned during
This definition has a special application to the areas of wage
fforts must be
and price policy in a free economy. Should we persistently fail
ial citizens.
to discipline ourselves, eventually there will be increasing pressure
ninistration to
on government to redress the failure. By that process freedom
The national
will step by step disappear. No subject on the domestic scene
antages which
should more attract the concern of the friends of American work-
nse of all the
ing men and women and of free business enterprise than the forces
that threaten a steady depreciation of the value of our money.
labor to think
ole. With-all
vigilant guard
Concerning developments in another vital sector of our econ-
$ at work in a
omy-agriculture-I am gratified that the long slide in farm in-
Is. They can
come has been halted and that further improvement is in prospect.
encies by their
This is heartening progress. Three tools that we have devel-
oped-improved surplus disposal, improved price support laws,
ecessary price
and the soil bank-are working to reduce price-depressing govern-
en demand in
ment stocks of farm products. Our concern for the well-being of
asonable profit
farm families demands that we constantly search for new ways
ore jobs in an
by which they can share more fully in our unprecedented pros-
1 the national
perity. Legislative recommendations in the field of agriculture
possible only
are contained in the Budget Message.
on.
Our soil, water, mineral, forest, fish, and wildlife resources are
in wages and
being conserved and improved more effectively. Their conserva-
gement, must
tion and development are vital to the present and future strength
21
8
Public Papers of the Presidents
of the Nation. But they must not be the concern of the Federal
Government alone. State and local entities, and private enter-
prise should be encouraged to participate in such projects.
I would like to make special mention of programs for making
the best uses of water, rapidly becoming our most precious natural
resource, just as it can be, when neglected, a destroyer of both
life and wealth. There has been prepared and published a com-
prehensive water report developed by a Cabinet Committee and
relating to all phases of this particular problem.
In the light of this report, there are two things I believe we
should keep constantly in mind. The first is that each of our
great river valleys should be considered as a whole. Piecemeal
operations within each lesser drainage area can be self-defeating
or, at the very least, needlessly expensive. The second is that
the domestic and industrial demands for water grow far more
rapidly than does our population.
The whole matter of making the best use of each drop of water
from the moment it touches our soil until it reaches the oceans,
for such purposes as irrigation, flood control, power production,
and domestic and industrial uses clearly demands the closest kind
of cooperation and partnership between municipalities, States
and the Federal Government. Through partnership of Federal,
state and local authorities in these vast projects we can obtain
the economy and efficiency of development and operation that
springs from a lively sense of local responsibility.
Until such partnership is established on a proper and logical
basis of sharing authority, responsibility and costs, our country
will never have both the fully productive use of water that it so
obviously needs and protection against disastrous flood.
If we fail in this, all the many tasks that need to be done in
America could be accomplished only at an excessive cost, by the
growth of a stifling bureaucracy, and eventually with a dangerous
degree of centralized control over our national life.
In all domestic matters, I believe that the people of the United
22
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1957
9 8
of the Federal
States will expect of us effective action to remedy past failure in
private enter-
meeting critical needs.
projects.
High priority should be given the school construction bill.
as for making
This will benefit children of all races throughout the country-
ecious natural
and children of all races need schools now. A program designed
royer of both
to meet emergency needs for more classrooms should be enacted
lished a com-
without delay. I am hopeful that this program can be enacted
ommittee and
on its own merits, uncomplicated by provisions dealing with the
complex problems of integration. I urge the people in all sec-
I believe we
tions of the country to approach these problems with calm and
: each of our
reason, with mutual understanding and good will, and in the
e. Piecemeal
American tradition of deep respect for the orderly processes of
self-defeating
law and justice.
econd is that
I should say here that we have much reason to be proud of the
tow far more
progress our people are making in mutual understanding-the
chief buttress of human and civil rights. Steadily we are moving
drop of water
closer to the goal of fair and equal treatment of citizens without
s the oceans,
regard to race or color. But unhappily much remains to be done.
r production,
Last year the Administration recommended to the Congress
e closest kind
a four-point program to reinforce civil rights. That program
alities, States
included:
P of Federal,
(1) creation of a bipartisan commission to investigate asserted
e can obtain
violations of civil rights and to make recommendations;
peration that
(2) creation of a civil rights division in the Department of
Justice in charge of an Assistant Attorney General;
r and logical
(3) enactment by the Congress of new laws to aid in the en-
forcement of voting rights; and
our country
ter that it SO
(4) amendment of the laws so as to permit the Federal Gov-
ood.
ernment to seek from the civil courts preventive relief in civil
rights cases.
O be done in
I urge that the Congress enact this legislation.
= cost, by the
1 a dangerous
Essential to the stable economic growth we seek is a system of
of the United
well-adapted and efficient financial institutions. I believe the
23
I 8
Public Papers of the Presidents
time has come to conduct a broad national inquiry into the nature,
performance and adequacy of our financial system, both in terms
of its direct service to the whole economy and in terms of its
function as the mechanism through which monetary and credit
policy takes effect. I believe the Congress should authorize the
creation of a commission of able and qualified citizens to under-
take this vital inquiry. Out of their findings and recommenda-
tions the Administration would develop and present to the
Congress any legislative proposals that might be indicated for the
purpose of improving our financial machinery.
In this message it seems unnecessary that I should repeat rec-
ommendations involving our domestic affairs that have been
urged upon the Congress during the past four years, but which,
in some instances, did not reach the stage of completely satis-
factory legislation.
The Administration will, through future messages either di-
rectly from me or from heads of the departments and agencies,
transmit to the Congress specific recommendations. These will
involve our financial and fiscal affairs, our military and civil
defenses; the administration of justice; our agricultural economy;
our domestic and foreign commerce; the urgently needed increase
in our postal rates; the development of our natural resources; our
labor laws, including our labor-management relations legislation,
and vital aspects of the health, education and welfare of our
people. There will be special recommendations dealing with
such subjects as atomic energy, the furthering of public works, the
continued efforts to eliminate government competition with the
businesses of tax-paying citizens.
A number of legislative recommendations will be mentioned
specifically in my forthcoming Budget Message, which will reach
you within the week. That message will also recommend such
sums as are needed to implement the proposed action.
24
Dwight D. Eisenhower, I957
8
into the nature,
Turning to the international scene:
1, both in terms
The existence of a strongly armed imperialistic dictatorship
in terms of its
poses a continuing threat to the free world's and thus to our own
tary and credit
Nation's security and peace. There are certain truths to be re-
d authorize the
membered here.
tizens to under-
First, America alone and isolated cannot assure even its own
1 recommenda-
security. We must be joined by the capability and resolution of
present to the
nations that have proved themselves dependable defenders of
idicated for the
freedom. Isolation from them invites war. Our security is also
enhanced by the immeasurable interest that joins us with all
ould repeat rec-
peoples who believe that peace with justice must be preserved,
hat have been
that wars of aggression are crimes against humanity.
ars, but which,
Another truth is that our survival in today's world requires
ompletely satis-
modern, adequate, dependable military strength. Our Nation
has made great strides in assuring a modern defense, so armed in
ages either di-
new weapons, so deployed, so equipped, that today our security
S and agencies,
force is the most powerful in our peacetime history. It can pun-
ns. These will
ish heavily any enemy who undertakes to attack us. It is a major
itary and civil
deterrent to war.
tural economy;
By our research and development more efficient weapons-
needed increase
some of amazing capabilities-are being constantly created.
I resources; our
These vital efforts we shall continue. Yet we must not delude
ions legislation,
ourselves that safety necessarily increases as expenditures for mili-
welfare of our
tary research or forces in being go up. Indeed, beyond a wise
S dealing with
and reasonable level, which is always changing and is under con-
iblic works, the
stant study, money spent on arms may be money wasted on sterile
tition with the
metal or inflated costs, thereby weakening the very security and
strength we seek.
be mentioned
National security requires far more than military power. Eco-
hich will reach
nomic and moral factors play indispensable roles. Any program
commend such
that endangers our economy could defeat us. Any weakening of
tion.
our national will and resolution, any diminution of the vigor and
initiative of our individual citizens, would strike a blow at the
heart of our defenses.
The finest military establishment we can produce must work
25
8
Public Papers of the Presidents
closely in cooperation with the forces of our friends. Our system
of regional pacts, developed within the Charter of the United
Nations, serves to increase both our own security and the security
of other nations.
This system is still a recent introduction on the world scene.
Its problems are many and difficult, because it insists on equality
among its members and brings into association some nations tra-
ditionally divided. Repeatedly in recent months, the collapse of
these regional alliances has been predicted. The strains upon
them have been at times indeed severe. Despite these strains
our regional alliances have proved durable and strong, and dire
predictions of their disintegration have proved completely false.
With other free nations, we should vigorously prosecute meas-
ures that will promote mutual strength, prosperity and welfare
within the free world. Strength is essentially a product of eco-
nomic health and social well-being. Consequently, even as we
continue our programs of military assistance, we must emphasize
aid to our friends in building more productive economies and in
better satisfying the natural demands of their people for progress.
Thereby we shall move a long way toward a peaceful world.
A sound and safeguarded agreement for open skies, unarmed
aerial sentinels, and reduced armament would provide a valuable
contribution toward a durable peace in the years ahead. And
we have been persistent in our effort to reach such an agreement.
We are willing to enter any reliable agreement which would re-
verse the trend toward ever more devastating nuclear weapons;
reciprocally provide against the possibility of surprise attack;
mutually control the outer space missile and satellite development;
and make feasible a lower level of armaments and armed forces
and an easier burden of military expenditures. Our continuing
negotiations in this field are a major part of our quest for a con-
fident peace in this atomic age.
This quest requires as well a. constructive attitude among all
the nations of the free world toward expansion of trade and in-
26
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1957
I 8
Our system
vestment, that can give all of us opportunity to work out economic
the United
betterment.
the security
An essential step in this field is the provision of an administra-
tive agency to insure the orderly and proper operation of existing
world scene.
arrangements under which multilateral trade is now carried on.
on equality
To that end I urge Congressional authorization for United States
nations tra-
membership in the proposed Organization for Trade Coopera-
= collapse of
tion, an action which will speed removal of discrimination against
strains upon
our export trade.
hese strains
We welcome the efforts of a number of our European friends
ng, and dire
to achieve an integrated community to develop a common market.
pletely false.
We likewise welcome their cooperative effort in the field of atomic
secute meas-
energy.
and welfare
To demonstrate once again our unalterable purpose to make
duct of eco-
of the atom a peaceful servant of humanity, I shortly shall ask
even as we
the Congress to authorize full United States participation in the
st emphasize
International Atomic Energy Agency.
mies and in
World events have magnified both the responsibilities and the
for progress.
opportunities of the United States Information Agency. Just
ul world.
as, in recent months, the voice of communism has become more
es, unarmed
shaken and confused, the voice of truth must be more clearly
le a valuable
heard. To enable our Information Agency to cope with these
head. And
new responsibilities and opportunities, I am asking the Congress
1 agreement.
to increase appreciably the appropriations for this program and
ch would re-
for legislation establishing a career service for the Agency's over-
ar weapons;
seas foreign service officers.
brise attack;
The recent historic events in Hungary demand that all free
evelopment;
nations share to the extent of their capabilities in the responsibility
armed forces
of granting asylum to victims of Communist persecution. I re-
r continuing
quest the Congress promptly to enact legislation to regularize the
st for a con-
status in the United States of Hungarian refugees brought here as
parolees. I shall shortly recommend to the Congress by special
le among all
message the changes in our immigration laws that-I deem neces-
rade and in-
sary in the light of our world responsibilities.
27
9 8
Public Papers of the Presidents
The cost of peace is something we must face boldly, fearlessly.
Beyond money, it involves changes in attitudes, the renunciation
of old prejudices, even the sacrifice of some seeming self-interest.
Only five days ago I expressed to you the grave concern of
your Government over the threat of Soviet aggression in the Mid-
dle East. I asked for Congressional authorization to help counter
this threat. I say again that this matter is of vital and immediate
importance to the Nation's and the free world's security and peace.
By our proposed programs in the Middle East, we hope to assist
in establishing a climate in which constructive and long-term
solutions to basic problems of the area may be sought.
From time to time, there will be presented to the Congress
requests for other legislation in the broad field of international
affairs. All requests will reflect the steadfast purpose of this Ad-
ministration to pursue peace, based on justice. Although in some
cases details will be new, the underlying purpose and objectives
will remain the same.
All proposals made by the Administration in this field are based
on the free world's unity. This unity may not be immediately ob-
vious unless we examine link by link the chain of relationships that
binds us to every area and to every nation. In spirit the free
world is one because its people uphold the right of independent
existence for all nations. I have already alluded to their economic
interdependence. But their interdependence extends also into
the field of security.
First of all, no reasonable man will question the absolute need
for our American neighbors to be prosperous and secure. Their
security and prosperity are inextricably bound to our own. And
we are, of course, already joined with these neighbors by historic
pledges.
Again, no reasonable man will deny that the freedom and
prosperity and security of Western Europe are vital to our own
prosperity and security. If the institutions, the skills, the man-
power of its peoples were to fall under the domination of an
28
9 8
Public Papers of the Presidents
When our forefathers prepared the immortal document that
proclaimed our independence, they asserted that every individual
is endowed by his Creator with certain inalienable rights. As we
gaze back through history to that date, it is clear that our nation
has striven to live up to this declaration, applying it to nations as
well as to individuals.
Today we proudly assert that the government of the United
States is still committed to this concept, both in its activities at
home and abroad.
The purpose is Divine; the implementation is human.
Our country and its government have made mistakes-human
mistakes. They have been of the head-not of the heart. And
it is still true that the great concept of the dignity of all men, alike
created in the image of the Almighty, has been the compass by
which we have tried and are trying to steer our course.
So long as we continue by its guidance, there will be true
progress in human affairs, both among ourselves and among those
with whom we deal.
To achieve a more perfect fidelity to it, I submit, is a worthy
ambition as we meet together in these first days of this, the first
session of the 85th Congress.
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER
NOTE: This is the text of the docu-
I, 85th Cong., Ist sess.).
ment which the President signed and
The Address as reported from the
transmitted to the Senate and the
floor appears in the Congressional
House of Representatives (H. Doc.
Record (vol. 103, p. 387).
30
ISSUES TALLY -- STATE OF THE UNION
FDR:
January 3, 1934 7-8
January 6, 1937 7-8
January 6, 1941 6
January 6, 1945 (radio address summary) 5
TRUMAN:
January 5, 1949
EISENHOWER:
January 7, 1954
January 10, 1957
KENNEDY:
January 11, 1962
JOHNSON:
January 4, 1965
NIXON:
January 22, 1970
January 28, 1973 (radio address budget summary)
FORD:
January 15, 1975
CARTER:
January 19, 1978
elsenhower Jan 5, 1956 (7)
NIXON Jan 20, 1972 (6)
WIKON del 50 1916 (6)
Lincoln del 3 1861(9-10)
uncoin dee 6', 64 (11)
2574
Fourth Annual Message
2575
WOODROW WILSON
probably be necessary to give it the clerical and administrative
present framed and administered are as serviceable as they might
machinery with which to do serviceable work.
be in the solution of the problem. It is obviously a problem that
What is more important is, that the industries and resources of
lies at the very foundation of our efficiency as a people. Such an
the country should be available and ready for mobilization. It is the
inquiry ought to draw out every circumstance and opinion worth
more imperatively necessary, therefore, that we should promptly
considering and we need to know all sides of the matter if we mean
devise means for doing what we have not yet done: that we should
to do anything in the field of federal legislation.
give intelligent federal aid and stimulation to industrial and voca-
No one, I am sure, would wish to take any backward step. The
tional education, as we have long done in the large field of our agri-
regulation of the railways of the country by federal commission has
cultural industry; that, at the same time that we safeguard and
had admirable results and has fully justified the hopes and expecta-
conserve the natural resources of the country we should put them at
tions of those by whom the policy of regulation was originally pro-
the disposal of those who will use them promptly and intelligently,
posed. The question is not what should we undo? It is, whether
as was sought to be done in the admirable bills submitted to the
there is anything else we can do that would supply us with effective
last Congress from its committees on the public lands, bills which
means, in the very process of regulation, for bettering the conditions
I earnestly recommend in principle to your consideration; that we
under which the railroads are operated and for making them more
should put into early operation some provision for rural credits
useful servants of the country as a whole. It seems to me that it
which will add to the extensive borrowing facilities already afforded
might be the part of wisdom, therefore, before further legislation in
the farmer by the Reserve Bank Act, adequate instrumentalities by
this field is attempted, to look at the whole problem of coördination
which long credits may be obtained on land mortgages; and that we
and efficiency in the full light of a fresh assessment of circumstance
should study more carefully than they have hitherto been studied
and opinion, as a guide to dealing with the several parts of it.
For what we are seeking now, what in my mind is the single
conditions. the right adaptation of our economic arrangements to changing
thought of this message, is national efficiency and security. We
Many conditions about which we have repeatedly legislated are
serve a great nation. We should serve it in the spirit of its peculiar
being altered from decade to decade, it is evident, under our very
genius. It is the genius of common men for self-government, indus-
eyes, and are likely to change even more rapidly and more radically
try, justice, liberty and peace. We should see to it that it lacks no
in the days immediately ahead of us, when peace has returned to the
instrument, no facility or vigor of law, to make it sufficient to play
world and the nations of Europe once more take up their tasks of
its part with energy, safety, and assured success. In this we are no
commerce and industry with the energy of those who must bestir
partisans but heralds and prophets of a new age.
themselves to build anew. Just what these changes will be no one
can certainly foresee or confidently predict. There are no calculable,
because no stable, elements in the problem. The most we can do is
FOURTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
to make certain that we have the necessary instrumentalities of in-
formation constantly at our service so that we may be sure that we
[Delivered at a Joint Session of the Two Houses of Congress, December 5, 1916.]
know exactly what we are dealing with when we come to act, if it
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONGRESS-In fulfilling at this time the duty
should be necessary to act at all. We must first certainly know what
laid upon me by the Constitution of communicating to you from time
it is that we are seeking to adapt ourselves to. I may ask the privi-
to time information of the state of the Union and recommending to your
lege of addressing you more at length on this important matter a
consideration such legislative measures as may be judged necessary and
little later in your session.
expedient, I shall continue the practice, which I hope has been acceptable
In the meantime may I make this suggestion? The transportation
to you, of leaving to the reports of the several heads of the executive
problem is an exceedingly serious and pressing one in this country.
departments the elaboration of the detailed needs of the public service
There has from time to time of late been reason to fear that our
and confine myself to those matters of more general public policy with
railroads would not much longer be able to cope with it successfully,
which it seems necessary and feasible to deal at the present session of
as at present equipped and coördinated. I suggest that it would
the Congress.
be wise to provide for a commission of inquiry to ascertain by a
I realize the limitations of time under which you will necessarily act
thorough canvass of the whole question whether our laws as at
at this session and shall make my suggestions as few as possible; but
2577
Fourth Annual Message
2576
WOODROW WILSON
there were some things left undone at the last session which there will
require for their safe and third efficient of these use. recommendations the Congress the legal
now be time to complete and which it seems necessary in the interest of
The second and it established the eight-hour day as the appoint-
the public to do at once.
immediately work acted and wages on: in train service and it authorized the practical results,
In the first place, it seems to me imperatively necessary that the
basis of of a commission to observe and report upon needed; but it postponed
earliest possible consideration and action should be accorded the remain-
ment these the measures most immediately should be offered
ing measures of the program of settlement and regulation which I
deeming action upon the other suggestions until of an them. opportunity
had occasion to recommend to you at the close of your last session in
view of the public dangers disclosed by the unaccommodated difficulties
for a more deliberate recommendation consideration I do not deem it necessary to increase renew.
which then existed, and which still unhappily continue to exist, between
The fourth the Interstate Commerce Commission to grant and an recom-
the railroads of the country and their locomotive engineers, conductors
The power on of the ground referred to is indisputably a clear matter might a seem
and trainmen.
of rates the Congress with regard to such authority or its
I then recommended:
mendation by question the scope of the commission's doubt either.
First, immediate provision for the enlargement and administrative
to inclination draw in to do justice when there is no reason the to Interstate
reorganization of the Interstate Commerce Commission along the lines
embodied in the bill recently passed by the House of Representatives
The other membership and in its facilities for performing and assessment
suggestions-the increase in Commerce its mani-
and now awaiting action by the Senate; in order that the Commission
Commission's provision for full public investigation to
may be enabled to deal with the many great and various duties now
fold duties; the disputes, and the grant to the Executive in of time the of power war or
devolving upon it with a promptness and thoroughness which are, with
of industrial and operate the railways when earnestly necessary renew.
its present constitution and means of action, practically impossible.
Second, the establishment of an eight-hour day as the legal basis
control other like public necessity-I for such legislation now very is manifest and pressing. serving Those and
alike of work and wages in the employment of all railway employes
who have entrusted them in such matters would find it or any unnecessary
The necessity us with the responsibility and duty hard, of I believe, to
who are actually engaged in the work of operating trains in interstate
transportation.
safeguarding excuse a failure to act upon these grave matters
Third, the authorization of the appointment by the President of a
small body of men to observe actual results in experience of the
postponement them.
of action the Interstate upon Commerce Commission organization, now find it
adoption of the eight-hour day in railway transportation alike for the
Not only does' with its present membership and but it is not
men and for the railroads.
Fourth, explicit approval by the Congress of the consideration by
practically impossible, its great functions promptly and thoroughly, to add to its duties
the Interstate Commerce Commission of an increase of freight rates
to perform presently be found advisable perfected as
to meet such additional expenditures by the railroads as may have
unlikely still others that equally it may heavy and exacting. It must first be
been rendered necessary by the adoption of the eight-hour day and
an
administrative instrument. and should not consent to remain any additional longer
which have not been offset by administrative readjustments and
The country cannot industrial disturbances for lack of easily
economies, should the facts disclosed justify the increase.
Fifth, an amendment of the existing Federal statute which provides
exposed means of to arbitration profound and conciliation which the Congress can
for the mediation, conciliation and arbitration of such controversies
and
promptly supply. that there must be no doubt as to use the of power the rail- of
as the present by adding to it a provision that, in case the methods of
accommodation now provided for should fail, a full public investiga-
And all will to agree make immediate and uninterrupted forces of the nation
tion of the merits of every such dispute shall be instituted and com-
the Executive the concentration of the military needed.
pleted before a strike or lockout may lawfully be attempted.
roads wherever for they are needed of and regulation, whenever prevention they are and administrative of it. With
And, sixth, the lodgment in the hands of the Executive of the
This is a program its case in the mere statement Interstate
power, in case of military necessity, to take control of such portions
and such rolling stock of the railways of the country as may be
efficiency which one of argues its items, the own increase in the efficiency of the has already
required for military use and to operate them for military purposes,
regard to Commission, the House of Representatives the Senate.
with authority to draft into the military service of the United States
Commerce acted; its action needs only the concurrence of
such train crews and administrative officials as the circumstances
2579
2578
WOODROW WILSON
Fourth Annual Message
I would hesitate to recommend, and I dare say the Congress
dealt with while the circumstances and and the spending dangers
hesitate to act upon the suggestion should I make it, that any man would in
tant matter were morals of the present method of obtaining and the methods
which he desired to leave.
any occupation should be obliged by law to continue in an employment
campaign can be frankly studied in the light of present of post-
to the public funds stand clear under recent observation, experience;
To pass a law which forbade or prevented the individual workman
of expenditure a delay would have the further very serious disadvantage and some special
to leave his work before receiving the approval of society in doing so
and action until another election was at hand the mind of those
would be to adopt a new principle into our jurisprudence, which I take
poning connected with it might be thought to be in for guidance and
it for granted we are not prepared to introduce.
object who urged it. Action can be taken now with facts
But the proposal that the operation of the railways of the country
shall not be stopped or interrupted by the concerted action of organized
without suspicion not of at partisan length the purpose. desirability of giving a freer shall hand under- in
bodies of men until a public investigation shall have been instituted,
I shall of argue combined and concerted effort to those who trade. That
which shall make the whole question at issue plain for the judgment of
the matter essential enterprise of building up our export indeed already
the opinion of the nation, is not to propose any such principle.
take the will presently, will immediately assume, has We have not
It is based upon the very different principle that the concerted
enterprise magnitude unprecedented in our experience. deemed to be
action of powerful bodies of men shall not be permitted to stop the
assumed a instrumentalities for its prosecution; it is scale under
industrial processes of the nation, at any rate before the nation shall
the doubtful necessary whether they could be created upon an adequate
have had an opportunity to acquaint itself with the merits of the case
our
as between employe and employer, time to form its opinion upon an
impartial statement of the merits, and opportunity to consider all prac-
We law for it which will give freedom without the
present should laws. clear away all legal obstacles and create a permitting basis of
ticable means of conciliation or arbitration.
undoubted unregulated license. The thing must be done now, because delay. oppor-
I can see nothing in that proposition but the justifiable safeguarding
tunity here and may escape us if we hesitate or
by society of the necessary processes of its very life. There is nothing
is for the proposed amendments of the organic law the of
arbitrary or unjust in it unless it be arbitrarily and unjustly done. It
The Rico argument is brief and conclusive. The present laws governing not just.
can and should be done with a full and scrupulous regard for the
Porto and regulating the rights and privileges of its people are we have
interests and liberties of all concerned as well as for the permanent
island created expectations of extended privilege which island and
interests of society itself.
We have There is uneasiness among the people of the them
Three matters of capital importance await the action of the Senate
not satisfied. suspicious doubt with regard to our intentions concerning remove.
which have already been acted upon by the House of Representatives;
even a the adoption of the pending measure would happily We
the bill which seeks to extend greater freedom of combination to those
which We do not doubt what we wish to do in any essential particular.
engaged in promoting the foreign commerce of the country than is
now thought by some to be legal under the terms of the laws against
ought do it at once.
to last session of the Congress a bill was passed industrial by the Senate educa-
monopoly; the bill amending the present organic law of Porto Rico;
and the bill proposing a more thorough and systematic regulation of
which provides is of vital importance to the whole country industrial
At the for the promotion of vocational and because it con-
the expenditure of money in elections, commonly called the Corrupt
tion, which too long neglected, upon which the thorough develop-
Practices Act.
cerns a matter, of the country for the critical years of economic depends.
I need not labor my advice that these measures be enacted into law.
preparation ment immediately ahead of us in very large measure
Their urgency lies in the manifest circumstances which render their
I not its early and favorable consideration contains by the House plans
adoption at this time not only opportune but necessary. Even delay
of May urge and its early enactment into law? It and I sure
would seriously jeopard the interests of the country and of the Govern-
Representatives affect all interests and all parts of the country, am whose
ment.
which is legislation now pending before the Congress greater
Immediate passage of the bill to regulate the expenditure of money
that there the country no awaits with more thoughtful approval the or of being
in elections may seem to be less necessary than the immediate enact-
passage impat.ence to see a great and admirable thing set in way
ment of the other measures to which I refer, because at least two
years will elapse before another election in which Federal offices are
done. other matters already advanced to the stage of should conference speak.
to be filled; but it would greatly relieve the public mind if this impor-
between There the are two houses of which it is not necessary that I
2581
2580
WOODROW WILSON
Fifth Annual Message
be Some found practicable basis of agreement concerning them will no doubt
the calm, indomitable power of the nor Nation. the way I hear in
and action taken upon them.
disloyalty against who understand neither its nature spirits. But I
Inasmuch as this is, gentlemen, probably the last occasion I
men debate peace attain it with uplifted eyes and unbroken do not touch the
have to to address the Sixty-fourth Congress, I hope that you will shall
which we may none of these speaks for the Nation. They their uneasy hour
with me say with what genuine pleasure and satisfaction I have co-operated permit
know heart that of anything. They may safely be left to strut
have you in the many measures of constructive policy with which
enriched the legislative annals of the country. It has been you
and
be forgotten. another point of view I believe that it is necessary be for to and say
tinction. you upon the completion of a record of rare serviceableness and dis-
privilege to labor in such company. I take the liberty of congratulating a
plainly to play in the settlement of its searching have right to
But from what we here at the seat of action consider the war to issues. We
what part we mean of the American people, and they by a the over-
are the spokesmen their purpose is ours. They desire peace forces that
know whether of evil, by the defeat once for all of the sinister wish to know how
coming and render it impossible, and they They
interrupt our peace thought runs with theirs and what action we propose.
FIFTH ANNUAL ADDRESS.
are impatient and indignantly impatient-but they will be equally and
closely with those who desire peace by any sort of compromise- impatient
[Delivered to Joint Session of Congress, December 4, 1917.]
deeply if we do not make it plain to them what our objectives by are arms.
GENTLEMEN OF THE CONGRESS: Eight months have elapsed since I
with what us are planning for in seeking to make conquest of peace First, that
last had the honor of addressing you. They have been months crowded
we that I speak for them when I say two things: shown us
with events of immense and grave significance for us. I shall not
I believe intolerable thing of which the masters of Germany have which we
undertake to detail or even to summarize those events. The practical
this face, this menace of combined intrigue and force conscience or
particulars of the part we have played in them will be laid before you
the ugly clearly as the German power, a thing without if it be
in the reports of the executive departments. I shall discuss only our
now see so capacity for covenanted peace, must be crushed friendly and, inter-
present outlook upon these vast affairs, our present duties, and the
honor or brought to an end, at least shut out from the and its power
view. immediate means of accomplishing the objects we shall hold always in
not utterly of the nations; and second, that when this thing discuss
course defeated and the time comes that we can peace- believe
I shall not go back to debate the causes of the war. The intolerable
are indeed German people have spokesmen whose word we can people to
wrongs done and planned against us by the sinister masters of Germany
when the those spokesmen are ready in the name of their henceforth
have long since become too grossly obvious and odious to every true
and when the common judgment of the nations as to what shall world-we shall
American to need to be rehearsed. But I shall ask you to consider again
accept bases of law and of covenant for the life of the it ungrudg-
and with a very grave scrutiny our objectives and the measures by which
be be the willing and glad to pay the full price for peace, and pay
we mean to attain them; for the purpose of discussion here in this place
is action, and our action must move straight toward definite ends. Our
ingly. what that price will be. It will be full, impartial settlement justice-
object is, of course, to win the war; and we shall not slacken or suffer
justice We know done at every point and to every nation that the final
ourselves to be diverted until it is won. But it is worth while asking
must enemies as well as our friends.
and answering the question, When shall we consider the war won?
affect, catch, our with me, the voices of humanity that are in the air. and They they
From one point of view it is not necessary to broach this funda-
grow daily the hearts of men everywhere. They insist that shall
You more audible, more articulate, more persuasive, the war shall
mental matter. I do not doubt that the American people know what the
war is about and what sort of an outcome they will regard as a realiza-
come from in vindictive action of any kind; that no nation or people coun-
tion of their purpose in it.
not end or punished because the irresponsible rulers of a single this thought
As a nation we are united in spirit and intention. I pay little heed to
be robbed themselves done deep and abominable wrong. It is no contribu-
those who tell me otherwise. I hear the voices of dissent-who does
try that have has been expressed in the formula, "No annexations,
not? I hear the criticism and the clamor of the noisily thoughtless and
tions, punitive indemnities."
troublesome. I also see men here and there fling themselves in impotent
Just no because this crude formula expresses the instinctive judgment
[13] Jan. I9
Richard Nixon, 1972
Jan. 20 [14]
Public Papers of the Presidents
within each party, on some foreign policy
The 1960's were a time of great progress
ing International Center for the Settle-
the lines already proposed by this Ad-
ment of Investment Disputes within the
issues and on some domestic policy issues.
in many areas. But as we all know, they
ministration. The United States fully re-
However, there are great national prob-
were also times of great agony-the
World Bank Group, as well as the estab-
spects the sovereign rights of others, but it
lishment in the very near future of the In-
lems that are so vital that they transcend
agonies of war, of inflation, of rapidly
will not ignore actions prejudicial to the
ternational Investment Insurance Agency,
partisanship. So let us have our debates.
rising crime, of deteriorating cities, of
rule of law and legitimate U.S. interest.
Finally, as we look beyond our proper
Let us have our honest differences. But
hopes raised and disappointed, and of
now under discussion in the World Bank
let us join in keeping the national interest
anger and frustration that led finally to
Group. The Overseas Private Investment
national interests to the larger considera-
Corporation will make every effort to in-
tions of the world interest, let us not forget
first. Let us join in making sure that
violence and to the worst civil disorder in
corporate independent dispute settlement
that only within a framework of interna-
legislation the Nation needs does not be-
a century.
procedures in its new insurance and guar-
tional law will the developed nations be
come hostage to the political interests of
I recall these troubles not to point any
fingers of blame. The Nation was so torn
antee agreements.
able to provide increasing support for the
any party or any person.
There is ample precedent, in this elec-
in those final years of the sixties that
I announce these decisions because I
aspirations of our less developed neighbors
believe there should be no uncertainty
tion year, for me to present you with a
many in both parties questioned whether
around the world.
NOTE: On the same day, the White House re-
huge list of new proposals, knowing full
America could be governed at all.
regarding U.S. policy. The adoption by
the U.S. Government of this policy is con-
well that there would not be any pos-
The Nation has made significant prog-
leased the transcript of a news briefing on the
sistent with international law. The policy
sibility of your passing them if you worked
ress in these first years of the seventies:
President's policy statement by Peter G. Peter-
Our cities are no longer engulfed by
will be implemented within the frame-
son, Executive Director, Council on Interna-
night and day.
tional Economic Policy.
civil disorders.
work of existing domestic law until the
I shall not do that.
Congress modifies present statutes, along
I have presented to the leaders of the
Our colleges and universities have again
Congress today a message of 15,000 words
become places of learning instead of
discussing in some detail where the Nation
battlegrounds.
14 Address on the State of the Union Delivered Before
stands and setting forth specific legislative
A beginning has been made in preserv-
items on which I have asked the Congress
ing and protecting our environment.
a Joint Session of the Congress. January 20, 1972
to act. Much of this is legislation which I
The rate of increase in crime has been
Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, my colleagues
proposed in 1969, in 1970, and also in the
slowed-and here in the District of
aside partisan considerations in the na-
in the Congress, our distinguished guests,
tional interest.
first session of this 92d Congress and on
Columbia, the one city where the Federal
my fellow Americans:
which I feel it is essential that action be
Government has direct jurisdiction, seri-
The Greek-Turkish aid program, the
Twenty-five years ago I sat here as
ous crime in 1971 was actually reduced
Marshall Plan, the great foreign policy
completed this year.
a freshman Congressman-along with
initiatives which have been responsible for
I am not presenting proposals which
by I3 percent from the year before.
Speaker Albert-and listened for the first
have attractive labels but no hope of pas-
Most important, because of the begin-
avoiding a world war for over 25 years
time to the President address the State of
were approved by the 80th Congress, by a
sage. I am presenting only vital programs
nings that have been made; we can say
the Union.
bipartisan majority of which I was proud
which are within the capacity of this Con-
today that this year 1972 can be the year
I shall never forget that moment. The
to be a part.
gress to enact, within the capacity of the
in which America may make the greatest
Senate, the diplomatic corps, the Supreme
Nineteen hundred seventy-two is now
budget to finance, and which I believe
progress in 25 years toward achieving our
Court, the Cabinet entered the Chamber,
before us. It holds precious time in which
should be above partisanship--programs
goal of being at peace with all the nations
and then the President of the United
to accomplish good for the Nation. We
which deal with urgent priorities for the
of the world.
States. As all of you are aware, I had some
must not waste it. I know the political
Nation, which should and must be the
As our involvement in the war in Viet-
differences with President Truman. He
pressures in this session of the Congress
subject of bipartisan action by this Con-
nam comes to an end, we must now go on
had some with me. But I remember that
will be great. There are more candidates
gress in the interests of, the country in
to build a generation of peace.
on that day-the day he addressed that
for the Presidency in this Chamber today
To achieve that goal, we must first
1972.
joint session of the newly elected Repub-
than there probably have been at any one
When I took the oath of office on the
face realistically the need to maintain
lican 80th Congress, he spoke not as a
time in the whole history of the Republic.
steps of this building just 3 years ago to-
our defense.
partisan, but as President of all the peo-
And there is an honest difference of opin-
day, the Nation was ending one of the most
In the past 3 years, we have reduced
ple-calling upon the Congress to put
ion, not only between the parties, but
tortured decades in its history.
the burden of arms. For the first time in
35
34
[14] Jan. 20
Public Papers of the Presidents
Richard Nixon, 1972
Jan. 20 [14]
20 years, spending on defense has been
-We will maintain a nuclear deterrent
serving peace, alleviating human suffering
Japan, will help meet it by providing new
brought below spending on human
around the globe, than any nation has ever
markets for American products, new jobs
adequate to meet any threat to the
for American workers.
resources.
security of the United States or of
done in the history of man.
As we look to the future, we find en-
our allies.
We have fought four wars in this cen-
Our budget will help meet it by being
couraging progress in our negotiations
tury, but our power has never been used
expansionary without being inflationary-
-We will help other nations develop
with the Soviet Union on limitation of
to break the peace, only to keep it; never
a job-producing budget that will help take
the capability of defending them-
been used to destroy freedom, only to de-
up the gap as the economy expands to full
strategic arms. And looking further into
selves.
the future, we hope there can eventually
-We will faithfully honor all of our
fend it. We now have within our reach
employment.
Our program to raise farm income will
be agreement on the mutual reduction of
treaty. commitments.
the goal of insuring that the next genera-
arms. But until there is such a mutual
-We will act to defend our interests,
tion can be the first generation in this cen-
help meet it by helping to revitalize rural
tury to be spared the scourges of war.
America, by giving to America's farmers
agreement, we must maintain the strength
whenever and wherever they are
their fair share of America's increasing
necessary to deter war.
threatened anyplace in the world.
Turning to our problems at home, we
And that is why, because of rising re-
are making progress toward our goal of a
productivity.
-But where our interests or our treaty
We also will help meet our goal of full
search and development costs, because of
commitments are not involved, our
new prosperity without war.
increases in military and civilian pay, be-
Industrial production, consumer spend-
employment in peacetime with a set of
role will be limited.
cause of the need to proceed with new
ing, retail sales, personal income all have
major initiatives to stimulate more imagi-
-We will not intervene militarily.
native use of America's great capacity for
weapons systems, my budget for the com-
-But we will use our influence to
been rising. Total employment, real in-
come are the highest in history. New
technological advance, and to direct it
ing fiscal year will provide for an increase
prevent war.
in defense spending.
-If war comes, we will use our in-
homebuilding starts this past year reached
toward improving the quality of life for
Strong military defenses are not the
the highest level ever. Business and con-
every American.
fluence to stop it.
enemy of peace; they are the guardians
sumer confidence have both been rising.
In reaching the moon, we demonstrated
-Once it is over, we will do our
of peace.
share in helping to bind up the
Interest rates are down. The rate of infla-
what miracles American technology is
There could be no more misguided set
wounds of those who have partici-
tion is down. We can look with confidence
capable of achieving. Now the time has
come to move more deliberately toward
of priorities than one which would tempt
pated in it.
to 1972 as the year when the back of in-
making full use of that technology here
others by weakening America, and thereby
As you know, I will soon be visting the
flation will be broken.
on earth, of harnessing the wonders of
endanger the peace of the world.
People's Republic of China and the
Now, this a good record, but it is not
science to the service of man.
In our foreign policy, we have entered
Soviet Union. I go there with no illusions.
good enough-not when we still have an
I shall soon send to the Congress a spe-
a new era. The world has changed greatly
We have great differences with both
unemployment rate of 6 percent.
in the II years since President John Ken-
powers. We shall continue to have great
It is not enough to point out that this
cial message proposing a new program
of Federal partnership in technological
nedy said in his Inaugural Address,
differences. But peace depends on the
was the rate of the early peacetime years
research and development-with Federal
"
we shall pay any price, bear any
ability of great powers to live together on
of the sixties, or that if the more than 2
incentives to increase private research,
burden, meet any hardship, support any
the same planet despite their differences.
million men released from the Armed
friend, oppose any foe to assure the sur-
Forces and defense-related industries were
federally supported research on projects
We would not be true to our obligation
designed to improve our everyday lives in
vival and the success of liberty."
to generations yet unborn if we failed to
still in their wartime jobs, unemployment
ways that will range from improving mass
Our policy has been carefully and de-
seize this moment to do everything in our
would be far lower.
liberately adjusted to meet the new reali-
power to insure that we will be able to
Our goal in this country is full employ-
transit to developing new systems of emer-
talk about those differences, rather than
ment in peacetime. We intend to meet
gency health care that could save thou-
ties of the new world we live in. We make
sands of lives annually.
today only those commitments we are able
to fight about them, in the future.
that goal, and we can.
and prepared to meet.
As we look back over this century, let
The Congress has helped to meet that
Historically, our superior technology
and high productivity have made it pos-
Our commitment to freedom remains
us, in the highest spirit of bipartisanship,
goal by passing our job-creating tax pro-
sible for American workers to be the high-
strong and unshakable. But others must
recognize that we can be proud of our
gram last month.
Nation's record in foreign affairs.
The historic monetary agreements,
est paid in the world by far, and yet for
bear their share of the burden of defend-
ing freedom around the world.
America has given more generously of
agreements that we have reached with the
our goods still to compete in world
And so this, then, is our policy:
itself toward maintaining freedom, pre-
major European nations, Canada, and
markets.
37
36
[14] Jan. 20
Public Papers of the Presidents
Richard Nixon, 1972
Jan. 20 [14]
need which I have not previously covered,
I have asked this bipartisan Commis-
Now we face a new situation. As other
point. This Nation cannot and will not
nations move rapidly forward in tech-
but which must be placed on the national
sion to review our proposals for Federal
tolerate that kind of irresponsible labor
action to cope with the gathering crisis
nology, the answer to the new competition
tie-up in the future.
agenda.
is not to build a wall around America, but
The messages also include basic reforms
We long have looked in this Nation to
of school finance and property taxes. Later
rather to remain competitive by improv-
the local property tax as the main source
in the year, when both Commissions have
which are essential if our structure of gov-
ing our own technology still further and
ernment is to be adequate in the decades
of financing for public primary and sec-
completed their studies, I shall make my
final recommendations for relieving the
by increasing productivity in American
ahead.
ondary education.
industry.
They include reform of our wasteful
As a result, soaring school costs, soaring
burden of property taxes and providing
Our new monetary and trade agree-
and outmoded welfare system-substitu-
property tax rates now threaten both our
both fair and adequate financing for our
ments will make it possible for American
tion of a new system that provides work
communities and our schools. They
children's education.
These recommendations will be revolu-
goods to compete fairly in the world's mar-
requirements and work incentives for
threaten communities because property
kets-but they still must compete. The
taxes, which more than doubled in the
tionary. But all these recommendations,
those who can help themselves, income
new technology program will put to use
support for those who cannot help them-
IO years from 1960 to '70, have become
however, will be rooted in one funda-
selves, and fairness to the working poor.
one of the most oppressive and discrim-
mental principle with which there can be
the skills of many highly trained Ameri-
cans, skills that might otherwise be wasted.
They include a $17 billion program of
inatory of all taxes, hitting most cruelly
no compromise: Local school boards must
It will also meet the growing technological
Federal revenue sharing with the States
at the elderly and the retired; and they
have control over local schools.
and localities as an investment in their
threaten schools, as hard-pressed voters
As we look ahead over the coming
challenge from abroad, and it will thus
help to create new industries, as well as
understandably reject new bond issues at
decades, vast new growth and change are
renewal, an investment also of faith in the
creating more jobs for America's workers
not only certainties, they will be the domi-
American people.
the polls.
in producing for the world's markets.
They also include a sweeping reorgani-
The problem has been given even
nant reality of this world, and particularly
This second session of the 92d Congress
zation of the executive branch of the Fed-
greater urgency by four recent court de-
of our life in America.
already has before it more than 90 major
cisions, which have held that the conven-
Surveying the certainty of rapid
eral Government so that it will be more
Administration proposals which still await
tional method of financing schools
change, we can be like a fallen rider
efficient, more responsive, and able to
action.
meet the challenges of the decades ahead.
through local property taxes is discrim-
caught in the stirrups-or we can sit high
I have discussed these in the extensive
in the saddle, the masters of change, di-
One year ago, standing in this place, I
inatory and unconstitutional.
written message that I have presented to
laid before the opening session of this
Nearly 2 years ago, I named a special
recting it on a course we choose.
the Congress today.
Congress six great goals. One of these was
Presidential commission to study the prob-
The secret of mastering change in to-
They include, among others, our pro-
lems of school finance, and I also directed
day's world is to reach back to old and
welfare reform. That proposal has been
grams to improve life for the aging; to
before the Congress now for nearly 2½
the Federal departments to look into the
proven principles, and to adapt them
combat crime and drug abuse; to improve
years.
same problems. We are developing com-
with imagination and intelligence to the
health services and to ensure that no one
My proposals on revenue sharing, gov-
prehensive proposals to meet these
new realities of a new age.
will be denied needed health care because
That is what we have done in the pro-
ernment reorganization, health care, and
of inability to pay; to protect workers'
the environment have now been before
problems. This issue involves two complex and
posals that I have laid before the Con-
pension rights; to promote equal oppor-
the Congress for nearly a year. Many of
interrelated sets of problems: support of
gress. They are rooted in basic principles
tunity for members of minorities, and
the other major proposals that I have re-
the schools and the basic relationships of
that are as enduring as human nature, as
others who have been left behind; to ex-
Federal, State, and local governments in
robust as the American experience; and
ferred to have been here that long or
pand consumer protection; to improve
longer.
they are responsive to new conditions.
any tax reforms.
the environment; to revitalize rural
Now, 1971, we can say, was a year of
Under the leadership of the Secretary
Thus they represent a spirit of change that
America; to help the cities; to launch new
consideration of these measures. Now let
of the Treasury, we are carefully review-
is truly renewal.
initiatives in education; to improve trans-
ing all of the tax aspects, and I have this
As we look back at those old principles,
us join in making 1972 a year of action
portation, and to put an end to costly
on them, action by the Congress, for the
week enlisted the Advisory Commission
we find them as timely as they are timeless.
labor tie-ups in transportation.
Nation and for the people of America.
on Intergovernmental Relations in ad-
We believe in independence, and self-
The west coast dock strike is a case in
Now, in addition, there is one pressing
dressing the intergovernmental relations
reliance, and the creative value of the
competitive spirit.
aspects.
39
38
[14] Jan. 20
Richard Nixon, 1972
Jan. 20 [15]
Public Papers of the Presidents
As is customary here, on this occasion,
inequities-then we would have lost our
If we yield to that pressure and fail to
We believe in full and equal oppor-
deal seriously with the historic challenges
tunity for all Americans and in the protec-
I have been talking about programs. Pro-
way.
grams are important. But even more im-
But the fact that we have those concerns
that we face, we will have failed the trust
tion of individual rights and liberties.
We believe in the family as the keystone
is evidence that our ideals, deep down, are
of millions of Americans and shaken the
portant than programs is what we are as a
of the community, and in the community
still strong. Indeed, they remind us that
confidence they have a right to place in
Nation-what we mean as a Nation, to
what is really best about America is its
us, in their Government.
as the keystone of the Nation.
ourselves and to the world.
In New York Harbor stands one of the
compassion. They remind us that in the
Never has a Congress had a greater
We believe in compassion toward those
in need.
final analysis, America is great not because
opportunity to leave a legacy of a pro-
most famous statues in the world-the
We believe in a system of law, justice,
Statue of Liberty, the gift in 886 of the
it is strong, not because it is rich, but be-
found and constructive reform for the
Nation than this Congress.
and order as the basis of a genuinely free
people of France to the people of the
cause this is a good country.
society.
United States. This statue is more than a
Let us reject the narrow visions of those
If we succeed in these tasks, there will;
landmark; it is a symbol-a symbol of
who would tell us that we are evil because
be credit enough for all-not only for
We believe that a person should get
what he works for-and that those who
what America has meant to the world.
we are not yet perfect, that we are corrupt
doing what is right, but doing it in the
It reminds us that what America has
because we are not yet pure, that all the
right way, by rising above partisan inter-
can, should work for what they get.
sweat and toil and sacrifice that have gone
est to serve the national interest.
We believe in the capacity of péople to
meant is not its wealth, and not its power,
make their own decisions in their own
into the building of America were for
And if we fail, more than any one of
but its spirit and purpose-a land that
naught because the building is not yet
us, America will be the loser.
lives, in their own communities-and we
enshrines liberty and opportunity, and
That is why my call upon the Congress
believe in their right to make those
that has held out a hand of welcome to
done.
Let us see that the path we are traveling
today is for a high statesmanship, so that
decisions.
millions in search of a better and a fuller
is wide, with room in it for all of us, and
in the years to come Americans will look
In applying these principles, we have
and, above all, a freer life.
that its direction is toward a better Nation
back and say because it withstood the
done so with the full understanding that
The world's hopes poured into
intense pressures of a political year, and
what we seek in the seventies, what our
America, along with its people. And those
and a more peaceful world.
Never has it mattered more that we go
achieved such great good for the Ameri-
quest is, is not merely for more, but for
hopes, those dreams, that have been
can people and for the future of this Na-
better-for a better quality of life for
brought here from every corner of the
forward together.
Look at this Chamber. The leadership
tion, this was truly a great Congress.
all Americans.
world, have become a part of the hope
Thus, for example, we are giving a new
of America is here today-the Supreme
NOTE: The President spoke at 12:34 p.m. in
that we now hold out to the world.
measure of attention to cleaning up our
Court, the Cabinet, the Senate, the House
the House Chamber at the Capitol, after being
Four years from now, America will cele-
introduced by Carl Albert, Speaker of the
air and water, making our surroundings
brate the 200th anniversary of its found-
of Representatives.
House of Representatives. The address was
more attractive. We are providing broader
ing as a Nation. There are those who say
Together, we hold the future of the Na-
broadcast live on radio and television.
support for the arts, helping stimulate a
tion, and the conscience of the Nation in
The President spoke from a prepared text.
that the old Spirit of '76 is dead-that we
deeper appreciation of what they can con-
our hands.
An advance text of his address was released
no longer have the strength of character,
tribute to the Nation's activities and to our
Because this year is an election year, it
on the same day.
the idealism, the faith in our founding
individual lives.
will be a time of great pressure.
purposes that that spirit represents.
But nothing really matters more to the
Those who say this do not know
quality of our lives than the way we treat
America.
one another, than our capacity to live
I5
Annual Message to the Congress on the State
We have been undergoing self-doubts
respectfully together as a unified society,
and self-criticism. But these are only the
of the Union. January 20, I972
with a full, generous regard for the rights
other side of our growing sensitivity to the
To the Congress of the United States:
are set that shape decades or centuries."
of others and also for the feelings of others.
persistence of want in the midst of plenty,
It was just 3 years ago today that I took
I went on to say that "this can be such a
As we recover from the turmoil and vio-
of our impatience with the slowness with
the oath of office as President. I opened
moment."
lence of recent years, as we learn once
which age-old ills are being overcome.
my address that day by suggesting that
Looking back 3 years later, I would
again to speak with one another instead
If we were indifferent to the shortcom-
some moments in history stand out "as
suggest that it was such a moment-a time
of shouting at one another, we are regain-
ings of our society, or complacent about
moments of beginning," when "courses
in which new courses were set on which
ing that capacity.
our institutions, or blind to the lingering
41
40
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1956
3
3
Remarks on the State of the Union Message,
where peacetime activity has not caught up with past wartime
Key West, Florida. Fanuary 5, 1956
activity, and the other is in the farm community where there is,
of course, a serious problem existing.
Now, to mention only a very few of the recommendations that
[Recorded on film and tape and broadcast the same day]
the message makes to the Congress, I want to point out that, first,
My Fellow Citizens:
we are governed by five major objectives.
This morning I sent to the Congress my third annual message
The first of these is the discharge of our world responsibility.
on the State of the Union. It is a long document and contains a
In discharging that responsibility we seek, first, a peace for all
review of the accomplishments of the past three years, as well as
nations, well knowing that no nation can have peace by itself.
many recommendations for the further advancement of our
We of course must be very careful in watching the tactics of
country in the years to come.
the communists. At times they smile, and at times they seem
Now those things that have been accomplished are important,
to threaten. Our own purpose is to remain steadfast in the pur-
and one of the chief ingredients in the achievements we have
suit of a world peace based on justice and not to be hysterical
made is the cooperation that has existed between the Congress
under their threats or to be beguiled too much by their smiles.
and the Executive Department in the Federal Government.
We intend to continue strengthening our allies, and we intend
to continue the honest search for disarmament. We will not be
Some of those results I will enumerate only briefly.
The first is the fact that we are at peace. The peace is not
satisfied with anything in the disarmament line, though, that is
always the kind that we should like, one in which we have com-
not mutual and a system in which we can have confidence.
plete confidence, but still there is no shooting war. We have the
We of course seek the constant improvement of our national
best security posture we have ever had during years of peace.
security through the improvement and development of the most
Government spending has been cut more than ten billion dollars
modern of weapons, through the saving of men; and as I said
annually.
before, we have the highest level of national security we have
ever had in this line.
Taxes have been reduced. Taxes were reduced at a time
when we were passing from a war to a peace economy, and the
Defense arrangements include not only our allies but our own
great tax reduction of that year was made so as to stimulate
continental defenses, and the power to strike where need be.
peacetime activity to take the place of the former wartime
The next objective is to maintain the fiscal integrity of the
government. This means that we must balance our budget. I
production.
have every expectation that June 30, 1956, will show a balanced
The national economy, in the general picture, is in very splendid
budget for this fiscal year. Moreover, the Budget that I am
shape. The national income is at an all-time high, with the
sending to Congress will contemplate a balancing of the Budget
highest standards of living we have ever enjoyed.
also in I957. All of this has been done without reduction of the
The products of our great industrial plant are more widely
security arrangements, or in the sums devoted to mutual aid
distributed-and the profits from it. More people are working.
throughout the world.
The only two things in this economic picture that seem to need
In this connection, I should mention our enormous national
immediate and drastic attention are, first, the depressed areas
debt. We must begin to make some payments on it if we are to
28
29
3
Public Papers of the Presidents
Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1956
4
avoid passing on to our children an impossible burden of debt.
Now these are just a few of the items that are in the Message.
And we will not talk about any reductions of any other kind until
You will see in your daily newspapers, if you care to look, a
we have begun to make some modest payments on that.
great detailed explanation of the things to which I am so hur-
The fourth objective of the program that we are submitting
riedly referring. But I do pledge the Administration to this:
to the Congress is to foster an ever-expanding economy. I have
We are going to foster the march of science in helping expand
already mentioned those directions in which we are achieving
our economy and increasing productivity.
new standards in our productivity. But I also mentioned that
We are going to be certain about the security of the United
we are behind in one or two phases of the economy, and the most
States in this world of today.
important of these is agriculture.
We are going to continue to seek a just peace. And we are
I am sending a Special Message on this subject to the Congress
on Monday next. It will contain many new proposals for ex-
going to devote single-minded attention to the common good of
America-all its citizens.
panding the program under which we have been operating in
Goodnight.
the agricultural field.
Particularly, new points will be the establishment of a soil bank
which will help remove acreage from production and on a basis
that will be of assistance to the farmers immediately.
4
Letter to George A. Garrett Concerning the
We are going to help remove more controls from the farmer.
Redevelopment of Southwest Washington.
We are going to go into a program of expanded research into the
Fanuary 6, 1956
rural development program, to help low-income farmers, and
there will be a new Great Plains program.
[Released January 6, 1956. Dated January I, 1956]
In this same field there will be new highway legislation pro-
posed, and new plans for resources conservation, and protection
Dear Mr. Garrett:
against disasters in flooded and other areas. There will be an
I am very glad to have your final report concerning the Rede-
area development plan to assist those regions which are backward
velopment of Southwest Washington. It is indeed heartening
in their economy because of failure to make necessary changes
to know that the efforts of the agencies cooperating in the project
in recent years.
will result in early initiation of construction and in a complete
Now there is one other field-and that is another principal
rebuilding of the designated area. Certainly the Capital of this
objective-and that is a program that is designed to respond to
great nation deserves to be a symbol of our best efforts to provide
human needs throughout the nation. These include school con-
decent housing and attractive urban living.
struction, Old Age and Survivors Insurance, medical research,
I should want the cooperating agencies to know, therefore,
health re-insurance; Labor laws for expanding the minimum
that in the furtherance of these plans and achievement of the
wage laws and for correcting certain deficiencies in the wage-
redevelopment benefits that you point out so graphically, they
hour law; for Housing, including a two-year program for public
will have earned the lasting gratitude of the people of Washing-
housing; and for immigration revision.
ton and, indeed, of the entire nation.
30
3I
1096
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Fourth Annual Message
1097
It is hoped that the already deeply afflicted people in those States may be
somewhat more ready to give up the cause of their affliction if to this
extent this vital matter be left to themselves, while no power of the
FOURTH ANNUAL MESSAGE.
National Executive to prevent an abuse is abridged by the proposition.
The suggestion in the proclamation as to maintaining the political
framework of the States on what is called reconstruction is made in the
DECEMBER 6, 1864
hope that it may do good without danger of harm. It will save labor and
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
avoid great confusion.
Again the blessings of health and abundant harvests claim our pro-
But why any proclamation now upon this subject? This question is
foundest gratitude to Almighty God.
beset with the conflicting views that the step might be delayed too long
The condition of our foreign affairs is reasonably satisfactory.
or be taken too soon. In some States the elements for resumption seem
Mexico continues to be a theater of civil war. While our political re-
ready for action, but remain inactive apparently for want of a rallying
lations with that country have undergone no change, we have at the same
point-a plan of action. Why shall A adopt the plan of B rather than B
time strictly maintained neutrality between the belligerents.
that of A? And if A and B should agree, how can they know but that
At the request of the States of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, a competent
the General Government here will reject their plan? By the proclama-
engineer has been authorized to make a survey of the river San Juan and
tion a plan is presented which may be accepted by them as a rallying
the port of San Juan. It is a source of much satisfaction that the diffi-
point, and which they are assured in advance will not be rejected here.
culties which for a moment excited some political apprehensions and
This may bring them to act sooner than they otherwise would.
caused a closing of the interoceanic transit route have been amicably
The objections to a premature presentation of a plan by the National
adjusted, and that there is a good prospect that the route will soon be
Executive consist in the danger of committals on points which could be
reopened with an increase of capacity and adaptation. We could not
more safely left to further developments. Care has been taken to so
exaggerate either the commercial or the political importance of that great
shape the document as to avoid embarrassments from this source. Say-
improvement.
ing that on certain terms certain classes will be pardoned with rights
It would be doing injustice to an important South American State not
restored, it is not said that other classes or other terms will never be
to acknowledge the directness, frankness, and cordiality with which the
included. Saying that reconstruction will be accepted if presented in a
United States of Colombia have entered into intimate relations with this
specified way, it is not said it will never be accepted in any other way.
Government. A claims convention has been constituted to complete the
The movements by State action for emancipation in several of the
unfinished work of the one which closed its session in 1861.
States not included in the emancipation proclamation are matters of pro-
The new liberal constitution of Venezuela having gone into effect with
found gratulation. And while I do not repeat in detail what I have here-
the universal acquiescence of the people, the Government under it has
tofore so earnestly urged upon this subject, my general views and feelings
been recognized and diplomatic intercourse with it hasopenedin a cordial
remain unchanged; and I trust that Congress will omit no fair opportunity
and friendly spirit. The long-deferred Aves Island claim has been satis.
of aiding these important steps to a great consummation.
factorily paid and discharged.
In the midst of other cares, however important, we must not lose sight
Mutual payments have been made of the claims awarded by the late
of the fact that the war power is still our main reliance. To that power
joint commission for the settlement of claims between the United States
alone can we look yet for a time to give confidence to the people in the
and Peru. An earnest and cordial friendship continues to exist between
contested regions that the insurgent power will not again overrun them.
the two countries, and such efforts as were in my power have been used
Until that confidence shall be established little can be done anywhere for
to remove misunderstanding and avert a threatened war between Peru
what is called reconstruction. Hence our chiefest care must still be
and Spain.
directed to the Army and Navy, who have thus far borne their harder
Our relations are of the most friendly nature with Chile, the Argen-
part so nobly and well; and it may be esteemed fortunate that in giving
tine Republic, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Paraguay, San Salvador, and Hayti.
the greatest efficiency to these indispensable arms we do also honorably
During the past year no differences of any kind have arisen with any
recognize the gallant men, from commander to sentinel, who compose
of those Republics, and, on the other hand, their sympathies with the
them, and to whom more than to others the world must stand indebted
United States are constantly expressed with cordiality and earnestness.
for the home of freedom disenthralled, regenerated, enlarged, and per-
The claim arising from the seizure of the cargo of the brig Macedonian
petuated.
in 1821 has been paid in full by the Government of Chile.
Civil war continues in the Spanish part of San Domingo, apparently
1098
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Fourth Annual Message
1099
without prospect of an early close.
Official correspondence has been freely opened with Liberia, and it
its Government, the action of that Empire in performing treaty stipula-
gives us a pleasing view of social and political progress in that Repub-
tions is inconstant and capricious. Nevertheless, good progress has been
lic. It may be expected to derive new vigor from American influence,
effected by the Western powers, moving with enlightened concert. Our
improved by the rapid disappearance of slavery in the United States.
own pecuniary claims have been allowed or put in course of settlement,
I solicit your authority to furnish to the Republic a gunboat at mod-
and the inland sea has been reopened to commerce. There is reason also
erate cost, to be reimbursed to the United States by installments. Such
to believe that these proceedings have increased rather than diminished
a vessel is needed for the safety of that State against the native African
the friendship of Japan toward the United States.
races, and in Liberian hands it would be more effective in arrèsting the
The ports of Norfolk, Fernandina, and Pensacola have been opened by
African slave trade than a squadron in our own hands. The possession
proclamation. It is hoped that foreign merchants will now consider
of the least organized naval force would stimulate a generous ambition in
whether it is not safer and more profitable to themselves, as well as just
the Republic, and the confidence which we should manifest by furnishing
to the United States, to resort to these and other open ports than it is to
it would win forbearance and favor toward the colony from all civilized
pursue, through many hazards and at vast cost, a contraband trade with
nations.
other ports which are closed, if not by actual military occupation, at least
The proposed overland telegraph between America and Europe, by the
by a lawful and effective blockade.
way of Behrings Straits and Asiatic Russia, which was sanctioned by
For myself, I have no doubt of the power and duty of the Executive,
Congress at the last session, has been undertaken, under very favorable
under the law of nations, to exclude enemies of the human race from an
circumstances, by an association of American citizens, with the cordial
asylum in the United States. If Congress should think that proceedings
good will and support as well of this Government as of those of Great
in such cases lack the authority of law, or ought to be further regulated
Britain and Russia. Assurances have been received from most of the
by it, I recommend that provision be made for effectually preventing for-
South American States of their high appreciation of the enterprise and
eign slave traders from acquiring domicile and facilities for their criminal
their readiness to cooperate in constructing lines tributary to that world-
occupation in our country.
encircling communication. I learn with much satisfaction that the noble
It is possible that if it were a new and open question the maritime pow-
design of a telegraphic communication between the eastern coast of
ers, with the lights they now enjoy, would not concede the privileges of a
America and Great Britain has been renewed, with full expectation
naval belligerent to the insurgents of the United States, destitute, as they
of its early accomplishment.
are, and always have been, equally of ships of war and of ports and har-
Thus it is hoped that with the return of domestic peace the country
bors. Disloyal emissaries have been neither less assiduous nor more
will be able to resume with energy and advantage its former high career
successful during the last year than they were before that time in their
of commerce and civilization.
efforts, under favor of that privilege, to embroil our country in foreign
Our very popular and estimable representative in Egypt died in April
wars. The desire and determination of the governments of the maritime
last. An unpleasant altercation which arose between the temporary in-
states to defeat that design are believed to be as sincere as and can not be
cumbent of the office and the Government of the Pasha resulted in a sus-
more earnest than our own. Nevertheless, unforeseen political difficul-
pension of intercourse. The evil was promptly corrected on the arrival
ties have arisen, especially in Brazilian and British ports and on the north-
of the successor in the consulate, and our relations with Egypt, as well
ern boundary of the United States, which have required, and are likely to
as our relations with the Barbary Powers, are entirely satisfactory.
continue to require, the practice of constant vigilance and a just and con-
The rebellion which has so long been flagrant in China has at last been
ciliatory spirit on the par+ of the United States, as well as of the nations
suppressed, with the cooperating good offices of this Government and of
concerned and their governments.
the other Western commercial States. The judicial consular establish-
Commissioners have been appointed under the treaty with Great Brit-
ment there has become very difficult and onerous, and it will need legisla-
ain on the adjustment of the claims of the Hudsons Bay and Pugets Sound
tive revision to adapt it to the extension of our commerce and to the
Agricultural Companies, in Oregon, and are now proceeding to the exe-
more intimate intercourse which has been instituted with the Govern-
cution of the trust assigned to them.
ment and people of that vast Empire. China seems to be accepting with
In view of the insecurity of life and property in the region adjacent to
hearty good will the conventional laws which regulate commercial and
the Canadian border, by reason of recent assaults and depredations com-
social intercourse among the Western nations.
mitted by inimical and desperate persons who are harbored there, it has
Owing to the peculiar situation of Japan and the anomalous form of
been thought proper to give notice that after the expiration of six
months, the period conditionally stipulated in the existing arrangement
1100
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Fourth Annual Message
IIOI
with Great Britain, the United States must hold themselves at liberty to
increase their naval armament upon the Lakes if they shall find that
lands $588,333.29, from direct taxes $475,648.96, from internal revenue
proceeding necessary. The condition of the border will necessarily come
$109,741,134.10, from miscellaneous sources $47,511,448.10, and from
into consideration in connection with the question of continuing or modi-
loans applied to actual expenditures, including former balance, $623,-
fying the rights of transit from Canada through the United States, as
443,929.13.
well as the regulation of imposts, which were temporarily established by
There were disbursed for the civil service $27,505,599.46, for pensions
the reciprocity treaty of the 5th June, 1854.
and Indians $7,517,930.97, for the War Department $690,791,842.97, for
I desire, however, to be understood while making this statement that
the Navy Department $85,733,292.77, for interest on the public debt
the colonial authorities of Canada are not deemed to be intentionally
$53,685,421.69, making an aggregate of $865,234,087.86 and leaving a
unjust or unfriendly toward the United States, but, on the contrary, there
balance in the Treasury of $18,842,558.71, as before stated.
is every reason to expect that, with the approval of the Imperial Govern-
For the actual receipts and disbursements for the first quarter and the
ment, they will take the necessary measures to prevent new incursions
estimated receipts and disbursements for the three remaining quarters of
across the border.
the current fiscal year, and the general operations of the Treasury in
The act passed at the last session for the encouragement of immigra-
detail; I refer you to the report of the Secretary of the Treasury. I
tion has so far as was possible been put into operation. It seems to need
concur with him in the opinion that the proportion of moneys required
to meet the expenses consequent upon the war derived from taxation
amendment which will enable the officers of the Government to prevent
should be still further increased; and I earnestly invite your attention to
the practice of frauds against the immigrants while on, their way and on
their arrival in the ports, so as to secure them here a free choice of avo-
this subject, to the end that there may be such additional legislation as
cations and places of settlement. A liberal disposition toward this great
shall be required to meet the just expectations of the Secretary.
national policy is manifested by most of the European States, and ought
The public debt on the Ist day of July last, as appears by the books
to be reciprocated on our part by giving the immigrants effective national
of the Treasury, amounted to $1,740,690,489.49. Probably, should the
war continue for another year, that amount may be increased by not far
protection. I regard our immigrants as one of the principal replenishing
from five hundred millions. Held, as it is, for the most part by our own
streams which are appointed by Providence to repair the ravages of
internal war and its wastes of national strength and health. All that is
people, it has become a substantial branch of national, though private,
property. For obvious reasons the more nearly this property can be
necessary is to secure the flow of that stream in its present fullness, and
to that end the Government must in every way make it manifest that it
distributed among all the people the better. To favor such general dis-
neither needs nor designs to impose involuntary military service upon
tribution, greater inducements to become owners might, perhaps, with
those who come from other lands to cast their lot in our country.
good effect and without injury be presented to persons of limited means.
The financial affairs of the Government have been successfully admin-
With this view I suggest whether it might not be both competent and
istered during the last year. The legislation of the last session of Con-
expedient for Congress to provide that a limited amount of some future
gress has beneficially affected the revenues, although sufficient time has
issue of public securities might be held by any bona fide purchaser ex-
empt from taxation and from seizure for debt, under such restrictions
not yet elapsed to experience the full effect of several of the provisions
of the acts of Congress imposing increased taxation.
and limitations as might be necessary to guard against abuse of SO impor-
The receipts during the year from all sources, upon the basis of war-
tant a privilege. This would enable every prudent person to set aside a
small annuity against a possible day of want.
rants signed by the Secretary of the Treasury, including loans and the bal-
Privileges like these would render the possession of such securities to
ance in the Treasury on the Ist day of July, 1863, were $1,394,796,007.62,
the amount limited most desirable to every person of small means who
and the aggregate disbursements, upon the same basis, were $1,298,056,-
might be able to save enough for the purpose. The great advantage of
101.89, leaving a balance in the Treasury, as shown by warrants, of
citizens being creditors as well as debtors with relation to the public debt
$96,739,905.73.
is obvious. Men readily perceive that they can not be much oppressed
Deduct from these amounts the amount of the principal of the public
by a debt which they owe to themselves.
debt redeemed and the amount of issues in substitution therefor, and the
The public debt on the Ist day of July last, although somewhat
actual cash operations of the Treasury were: Receipts, $884,076,646.57;
exceeding the estimate of the Secretary of the Treasury made to Con-
disbursements, $865,234,087.86; which leaves a cash balance in the
gress at the commencement of the last session, falls short of the esti-
Treasury of $18,842,558.71.
mate of that officer made in the preceding December as to its probable
Of the receipts there were derived from customs $102,316,152.99, from
amount at the beginning of this year by the sum of $3,995,097.31. This
IIO2
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Fourth Annual Message
1103
fact exhibits a satisfactory condition and conduct of the operations of
the Treasury.
is $238,647,262.35.
The national banking system is proving to be acceptable to capitalists
Your favorable consideration is invited to the various recommenda-
and to the people. On the 25th day of November 584 national banks
tions of the Secretary of the Navy, especially in regard to a navy-yard
had been organized, a considerable number of which were conversions
and suitable establishment for the construction and repair of iron ves-
from State banks. Changes from State systems to the national system
sels and the machinery and armature for our ships, to which reference
are rapidly taking place, and it is hoped that very soon there will be in
was made in my last annual message.
the United States no banks of issue not authorized by Congress and no
Your attention is also invited to the views expressed in the report in
bank-note circulation not secured by the Government. That the Gov-
relation to the legislation of Congress at its last session in respect to prize
on our inland waters.
ernment and the people will derive great benefit from this change in the
banking systems of the country can hardly be questioned. The national
I cordially concur in the recommendation of the Secretary as to the
system will create a reliable and permanent influence in support of the
propriety of creating the new rank of vice-admiral in our naval service.
national credit and protect the people against losses in the use of paper
Your attention is invited to the report of the Postmaster-General for
money. Whether or not any further legislation is advisable for the sup-
a detailed account of the operations and financial condition of the Post-
pression of State-bank issues it will be for Congress to determine. It
Office Department.
seems quite clear that the Treasury can not be satisfactorily conducted
The postal revenues for the year ending June 30, 1864, amounted to
unless the Government can exercise a restraining power over the bank-
$12,438,253.78 and the expenditures to $12,644,786.20, the excess of
note circulation of the country.
expenditures over receipts being $206,652.42.
The report of the Secretary of War and the accompanying documents
The views presented by the Postmaster-General on the subject of spe-
will detail the campaigns of the armies in the field since the date of the
cial grants by the Government in aid of the establishment of new lines
last annual message, and also the operations of the several administrative
of ocean mail steamships and the policy he recommends for the develop-
bureaus of the War Department during the last year. It will also specify
ment of increased commercial intercourse with adjacent and neighboring
the measures deemed essential for the national defense and to keep up
countries should receive the careful consideration of Congress.
and supply the requisite military force.
It is of noteworthy interest that the steady expansion of population,
The report of the Secretary of the Navy presents a comprehensive and
improvement, and governmental institutions over the new and unoccu-
satisfactory exhibit of the affairs of that Department and of the naval
pied portions of our country have scarcely been checked, much less im-
service. It is a subject of congratulation and laudable pride to our
peded or destroyed, by our great civil war, which at first glance would
countrymen that a Navy of such vast proportions has been organized in
seem to have absorbed almost the entire energies of the nation.
SO brief a period and conducted with so much efficiency and success.
The organization and admission of the State of Nevada has been com-
The general exhibit of the Navy, including vessels under construction
pleted in conformity with law, and thus our excellent system is firmly
established in the mountains, which once seemed a barren and uninhab-
on the Ist of December, 1864, shows a total of 671 vessels, carrying 4,610
guns, and of 510,396 tons, being an actual increase during the year, over
itable waste between the Atlantic States and those which have grown up
on the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
and above all losses by shipwreck or in battle, of 83 vessels, 167 guns, and
The Territories of the Union are generally in a condition of prosperity
42,427 tons.
The total number of men at this time in the naval service, including
and rapid growth. Idaho and Montana, by reason of their great distance
officers, is about 51,000.
and the interruption of communication with them by Indian hostilities,
There have been captured by the Navy during the year 324 vessels,
have been only partially organized; but it is understood that these diffi-
and the whole number of naval captures since hostilities commenced is
culties are about to disappear, which will permit their governments, like
1,379, of which 267 are steamers.
those of the others, to go into speedy and full operation.
The gross proceeds arising from the sale of condemned prize property
As intimately connected with and promotive of this material growth
of the nation, I ask the attention of Congress to the valuable information
thus far reported amount to $14,396,250.51. A large amount of such
and important recommendations relating to the public lands, Indian
proceeds is still under adjudication and yet to be reported.
affairs, the Pacific Railroad, and mineral discoveries contained in the
The total expenditure of the Navy Department of every description,
including the cost of the immense squadrons that have been called into
report of the Secretary of the Interior which is herewith transmitted,
existence from the 4th of March, 1861, to the IST of November, 1864,
and which report also embraces the subjects of patents, pensions, and
other topics of public interest pertaining to his Department.
II04
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Fourth Annual Message
II05
The quantity of public land disposed of during the five quarters ending
of army pensioners of this class is 25,433 and of navy pensioners 793.
on the 30th of September last was 4,221,342 acres, of which 1,538,614
At the beginning of the year the number of Revolutionary pensioners
acres were entered under the homestead law. The remainder was located
was I,430. Only I2 of them were soldiers, of whom 7 have since died.
with military land warrants, agricultural scrip certified to' States for rail-
The remainder are those who under the law receive pensions because of
roads, and sold for cash. The cash received from sales and location fees
relationship to Revolutionary soldiers. During the year ending the 30th
was $1,019,446.
of June, 1864, $4,504,616.92 have been paid to pensioners of all classes.
The income from sales during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1864,
I cheerfully commend to your continued patronage the benevolent insti-
was $678,007.21, against $136,077.95 received during the preceding year.
tutions of the District of Columbia which have hitherto been established
The aggregate number of acres surveyed during the year has been
or fostered by Congress, and respectfully refer for information concerning
equal to the quantity disposed of, and there is open to settlement about
them and in relation to the Washington Aqueduct, the Capitol, and other
133,000,000 acres of surveyed land.
matters of local interest to the report of the Secretary.
The great enterprise of connecting the Atlantic with the Pacific States
The Agricultural Department, under the supervision of its present ener-
by railways and telegraph lines has been entered upon with a vigor that
getic and faithful head, is rapidly commending itself to the great and
gives assurance of success, notwithstanding the embarrassments arising
vital interest it was created to advance. It is peculiarly the people's
from the prevailing high prices of materials and labor. The route of the
Department, in which they feel more directly concerned than in any other.
main line of the road has been definitely located for 100 miles westward
I commend it to the continued attention and fostering care of Congress.
from the initial point at Omaha City, Nebr., and a preliminary location
The war continues. Since the last annual message all the important
of the Pacific Railroad of California has been made from Sacramento
lines and positions then occupied by our forces have been maintained and
eastward to the great bend of the Truckee River in Nevada.
our arms have steadily advanced, thus liberating the regions left in rear,
Numerous discoveries of gold, silver, and cinnabar mines have been
so that Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and parts of other States have
added to the many heretofore known, and the country occupied by the
again produced reasonably fair crops.
Sierra Nevada and Rocky mountains and the subordinate ranges now
The most remarkable feature in the military operations of the year
teems with enterprising labor, which is richly remunerative. It is be-
is General Sherman's attempted march of 300 miles directly through
lieved that the product of the mines of precious metals in that region has
the insurgent region. It tends to show a great increase of our relative
during the year reached, if not exceeded, one hundred millions in value.
strength that our General in Chief should feel able to confront and hold
It was recommended in my last annual message that our Indian sys-
in check every active force of the enemy, and yet to detach a well-
tem be remodeled. Congress at its last session, acting upon the recom-
appointed large army to move on such an expedition. The result not
mendation, did provide for reorganizing the system in California, and
yet being known, conjecture in regard to it is not here indulged.
it is believed that under the present organization the management of
Important movements have also occurred during the year to the effect
the Indians there will be attended with reasonable success. Much yet
of molding society for durability in the Union. Although short of com-
remains to be done to provide for the proper government of the Indians
plete success, it is much in the right direction that 12,000 citizens in each
in other parts of the country, to render it secure for the advancing set-
of the States of Arkansas and Louisiana have organized loyal State gov-
tler, and to provide for the welfare of the Indian. The Secretary re-
ernments, with free constitutions, and are earnestly struggling to maintain
iterates his recommendations, and to them the attention of Congress is
and administer them. The movements in the same direction, more exten-
invited.
sive though less definite, in Missouri, Kentucky, and Tennessee should
The liberal provisions made by Congress for paying pensions to inva-
not be overlooked. But Maryland presents the example of complete suc-
lid soldiers and sailors of the Republic and to the widows, orphans, and
cess. Maryland is secure to liberty and union for all the future. The
dependent mothers of those who have fallen in battle or died of disease
genius of rebellion will no more claim Maryland. Like another foul
contracted or of wounds received in the service of their country have been
spirit being driven out, it may seek to tear her, but it will WOO her no
diligently administered. There have been added to the pension rolls dur-
more.
ing the year ending the 30th day of June last the names of 16,770 invalid
At the last session of Congress a proposed amendment of the Constitu
soldiers and of 271 disabled seamen, making the present number of army
tion abolishing slavery throughout the United States passed the Senate,
invalid pensioners 22,767 and of navy invalid pensioners 712.
but failed for lack of the requisite two-thirds vote in the House of Repre-
Of widows, orphans, and mothers 22,198 have been placed on the
sentatives. Although the present is the same Congress and nearly the
army pension rolls and 248 on the navy rolls. The present number
same members, and without questioning the wisdom or patriotism of those
II06
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Fourth Annual Message
II07
who stood in opposition, I venture to recommend the reconsideration and
living. The same is true of the naval service. The election returns
passage of the measure at the present session. Of course the abstract
prove this. So many voters could not else be found. The States reg-
question is not changed; but an intervening election shows almost cer-
ularly holding elections, both now and four years ago, to wit, California,
tainly that the next Congress will pass the measure if this does not.
Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Mary-
Hence there is only a question of time as to when the proposed amendment
land, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire,
will go to the States for their action. And as it is to so go at all events,
New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Ver-
may we not agree that the sooner the better? It is not claimed that the
mont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, cast 3,982,011 votes now, against
election has imposed a duty on members to change their views or their
3,870,222 cast then, showing an aggregate now of 3,982,011. To this is to
votes any further than, as an additional element to be considered, their
be added 33,762 cast now in the new States of Kansas and Nevada, which
judgment may be affected by it. It is the voice of the people now for the
States did not vote in 1860, thus swelling the aggregate to 4,015,773
first time heard upon the question. In a great national crisis like ours
and the net increase during the three years and a half of war to 145,551.
unanimity of action among those seeking a common end is very desirable-
A table is appended showing particulars. To this again should be added
almost indispensable. And yet no approach to such unanimity is attain-
the number of all soldiers in the field from Massachusetts, Rhode Island,
able unless some deference shall be paid to the will of the majority simply
New Jersey, Delaware, Indiana, Illinois, and California, who by the laws
because it is the will of the majority. In this case the common end is
of those States could not vote away from their homes, and which number
the maintenance of the Union, and among the means to secure that end
can not be less than 90,000. Nor yet is this all. The number in organ-
such will, through the election, is most clearly declared in favor of such
ized Territories is triple now what it was four years ago, while thousands,
constitutional amendment.
white and black, join us as the national arms press back the insurgent
The most reliable indication of public purpose in this country is derived
lines. So much is shown, affirmatively and negatively, by the election.
through our popular elections. Judging by the recent canvass and its
It is not material to inquire how the increase has been produced or to
result, the purpose of the people within the loyal States to maintain
show that it would have been greater but for the war, which is probably
the integrity of the Union was never more firm nor more nearly unani-
true. The important fact remains demonstrated that we have more men
mous than now. The extraordinary calmness and good order with
now than we had when the war began; that we are not exhausted nor in
which the millions of voters met and mingled at the polls give strong
process of exhaustion; that we are gaining strength and may if need be
assurance of this. Not only all those who supported the Union ticket,
maintain the contest indefinitely. This as to men. Material resources
so called, but a great majority of the opposing party also may be fairly
are now more complete and abundant than ever.
claimed to entertain and to be actuated by the same purpose. It is an
The national resources, then, are unexhausted, and, as we believe, in-
unanswerable argument to this effect that no candidate for any office
exhaustible. The public purpose to reestablish and maintain the national
whatever, high or low, has ventured to seek votes on the avowal that
authority is unchanged, and, as we believe, unchangeable. The manner
hewas for giving up the Union. There have been much impugning of
of continuing the effort remains to choose. On careful consideration of
motives and much heated controversy as to the proper means and best
all the evidence accessible it seems to me that no attempt at negotiation
mode of advancing the Union cause, but on the distinct issue of Union
with the insurgent leader could result in any good. He would accept
or no Union the politicians have shown their instinctive knowledge
nothing short of severance of the Union, precisely what we will not and
that there is no diversity among the people. In affording the people the
can not give. His declarations to this effect are explicit and oft repeated.
fair opportunity of showing one to another and to the world this firmness
He does not attempt to deceive us. He affords us no excuse to deceive
and unanimity of purpose, the election has been of vast value to the
ourselves. He can not voluntarily reaccept the Union; we can not vol-
national cause.
untarily yield it. Between him and us the issue is distinct, simple, and
The election has exhibited another fact not less valuable to be known-
inflexible. It is an issue which can only be tried by war and decided
the fact that we do not approach exhaustion in the most important
by victory. If we yield, we are beaten; if the Southern people fail him,
branch of national resources, that of living men. While it is melan-
he is beaten. Either way it would be the victory and defeat following
choly to reflect that the war has filled so many graves and carried mourn-
war. What is true, however, of him who heads the insurgent cause is
ing to so many hearts, it is some relief to know that, compared with the
not necessarily true of those who follow. Although he can not reac-
surviving, the fallen have been so few. While corps and divisions and
cept the Union, they can. Some of them, we know, already desire peace
brigades and regiments have formed and fought and dwindled and gone
and reunion. The number of such may increase. They can at any
out of existence, a great majority of the men who composed them are still
moment have peace simply by laying down their arms and submitting
II08
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Fourth Annual Message
IIO9
to the national authority under the Constitution. After so much the
Table showing the aggregate votes in the States named at the Presidential elections
Government could not, if it would, maintain war against them. The
respectively, in 1860 and 1864.
loyal people would not sustain or allow it. If questions should remain,
we would adjust them by the peaceful means of legislation, conference,
State.
1860.
1864.
courts, and votes, operating only in constitutional and lawful channels,
Some certain, and other possible, questions are and would be beyond the
California
118,840
*110,000
Executive power to adjust; as, for instance, the admission of members
Connecticut
77,246
86,616
Delaware.
16,039
16,924
into Congress and whatever might require the appropriation of money.
Illinois
339,693
348,235
The Executive power itself would be greatly diminished by the cessation
Indiana
272,143
280,645
of actual war. Pardons and remissions of forfeitures, however, would
Iowa
128,331
143,331
Kentucky
146,216
*91,300
still be within Executive control. In what spirit and temper this con-
Maine
97,918
115,141
trol would be exercised can be fairly judged of by the past.
Maryland
92,502
72,703
Massachusetts
169,533
175,487
A year ago general pardon and amnesty, upon specified terms, were
Michigan
154,747
162,413
offered to all except certain designated classes, and it was at the same
Minnesota
34,799
42,534
time made known that the excepted classes were still within contempla-
Missouri
165,538
*90,000
New Hampshire
65,953
69,111
tion of special clemency. During the year many availed themselves of
New Jersey
121,125
128,680
the general provision, and many more would, only that the signs of bad
New York
675,156
730,664
faith in some led to such precautionary measures as rendered the practical
Ohio
442,441
470,745
Oregon
14,410
14,410
process less easy and certain. During the same time also special pardons
Pennsylvania
476,442
572,697
have been granted to individuals of the excepted classes, and no volun-
Rhode Island.
19,931
22,187
tary application has been denied. Thus practically the door has been for
Vermont
42,844
55,811
a full year open to all except such as were not in condition to make free
West Virginia
46,195
33,874
Wisconsin
152,180
148,513
choice; that is, such as were in custody or under constraint. It is still
3,870,222
3,982,011
SO open to all. But the time may come, probably will come, when public
duty shall demand that it be closed and that in lieu more rigorous meas-
Kansas
17,234
Nevada
16,528
ures than heretofore shall be adopted.
33,762
In presenting the abandonment of armed resistance to the national
3,982,011
authority On the part of the insurgents as the only indispensable condi-
Total
4,015,773
tion to ending the war on the part of the Government, I retract nothing
3,870,222
heretofore said as to slavery. I repeat the declaration made a year ago,
that 'while I remain in my present position I shall not attempt to retract
Net Increase
145,551
or modify the emancipation proclamation, nor shall I return to slavery
Nearly.
t Estimated.
any person who is free by the terms of that proclamation or by any of the
acts of Congress." If the people should, by whatever mode or means,
make it an Executive duty to reenslave such persons, another, and not I,
must be their instrument to perform it.
In stating a single condition of peace I mean simply to say that the war
will cease on the part of the Government whenever it shall have ceased
on the part of those who began it.
1054
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
First Annual Message
1055
our country and the stability of our Government mainly depend not
FIRST ANNUAL MESSAGE.
upon them, but on the loyalty, virtue, patriotism, and intelligence of the
American people. The correspondence itself, with the usual reservations,
is herewith submitted.
WASHINGTON, December 3, 1861.
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
I venture to hope it will appear that we have practiced prudence and
liberality toward foreign powers; averting causes of irritation and with
In the midst of unprecedented political troubles we have cause of great
gratitude to God for unusual good health and most abundant harvests.
firmness maintaining our own rights and honor.
You will not be surprised to learn that in the peculiar exigencies of
Since, however, it is apparent that here, as in every other state, foreign
the times our intercourse with foreign nations has been attended with
dangers necessarily attend domestic difficulties, I recommend that ade-
profound solicitude, chiefly turning upon our own domestic affairs.
quate and ample measures be adopted for maintaining the public defenses
A disloyal portion of the American people have during the whole year
on every side. While under this general recommendation provision for
been engaged in an attempt to divide and destroy the Union. A nation
defending our seacoast line readily occurs to the mind, I also in the same
which endures factious domestic division is exposed to disrespect abroad,
connection ask the attention of Congress to our great lakes and rivers.
and vention. one party, if not both, is sure sooner or later to invoke foreign inter-
It is believed that some fortifications and depots of arms and munitions,
with harbor and navigation improvements, all at well-selected points upon
Nations thus tempted to interfere are not always able to resist the
these, would be of great importance to the national defense and preserva-
counsels of seeming expediency and ungenerous ambition, although
tion. I ask attention to the views of the Secretary of War, expressed in
measures adopted under such influences seldom fail to be unfortunate and
his report, upon the same general subject.
injurious to those adopting them.
I deem it of importance that the loyal regions of east Tennessee and
The disloyal citizens of the United States who have offered the ruin of
western North Carolina should be connected with Kentucky and other
our country in return for the aid and comfort which they have invoked
faithful parts of the Union by railroad. I therefore recommend, as a mili-
abroad have received less patronage and encouragement than they prob-
tary measure, that Congress provide for the construction of such road as
ably expected. If it were just to suppose, as the insurgents have seemed
speedily as possible. Kentucky no doubt will cooperate, and through her
to assume, that foreign nations in this case, discarding all moral, social,
legislature make the most judicious selection of a line. The northern
and treaty obligations, would act solely and selfishly for the most speedy
terminus must connect with some existing railroad, and whether the
restoration of commerce, including especially the acquisition of cotton,
route shall be from Lexington or Nicholasville to the Cumberland Gap,
those nations appear as yet not to have seen their way to their object
or from Lebanon to the Tennessee line, in the direction of Knoxville,
more directly or clearly through the destruction than through the preser-
or on some still different line, can easily be determined. Kentucky and
vation of the Union. If we could dare to believe that foreign nations
the General Government cooperating, the work can be completed in a
are actuated by no higher principle than this, I am quite sure a sound
very short time, and when done it will be not only of vast present useful-
argument could be made to show them that they can reach their aim
ness, but also a valuable permanent improvement, worth its cost in all
the future.
more readily and easily by aiding to crush this rebellion than by giving
encouragement to it.
Some treaties, designed chiefly for the interests of commerce, and hav-
The principal lever relied on by the insurgents for exciting foreign
ing no grave political importance, have been negotiated, and will be
nations to hostility against us, as already intimated, is the embarrass-
submitted to the Senate for their consideration.
ment of commerce. Those nations, however, not improbably saw from
Although we have failed to induce some of the commercial powers to
the first that it was the Union which made as well our foreign as our
adopt a desirable melioration of the rigor of maritime war, we have
domestic commerce. They can scarcely have failed to perceive that the
removed all obstructions from the way of this humane reform except
effort for disunion produces the existing difficulty, and that one strong
such as are merely of temporary and accidental occurrence.
nation promises more durable peace and a more extensive, valuable,
I invite your attention to the correspondence between Her Britannic
Majesty's minister accredited to this Government and the Secretary of
fragments. and reliable commerce than can the same nation broken into hostile
State relative to the detention of the British ship Perthshire in June last
It is not my purpose to review our discussions with foreign states,
by the United States steamer Massachusetts for a supposed breach of the
because, whatever might be their wishes or dispositions, the integrity of
blockade. As this detention was occasioned by an obvious misappre-
hension of the facts, and as justice requires that we should commit no
IO56
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
First Annual Message
1057
belligerent act not founded in strict right as sanctioned by public law,
I recommend that an appropriation be made to satisfy the reasonable
of July of $2,257,065.80. For the first quarter of the financial year
demand of the owners of the vessel for her detention.
ending on the 30th of September, 1861, the receipts from all sources,
including the balance of the Ist of July, were $102,532,509.27, and the
I repeat the recommendation of my predecessor in his annual message
to Congress in December last in regard to the disposition of the surplus
expenses $98,239,733.09, leaving a balance on the Ist of October, 1861,
which will probably remain after satisfying the claims of American citi-
of $4,292,776.18.
Estimates for the remaining three quarters of the year and for the
zens against China, pursuant to the awards of the commissioners under
the act of the 3d of March, 1859. If, however, it should not be deemed
financial year 1863, together with his views of ways and means for meet-
advisable to carry that recommendation into effect, I would suggest that
ing the demands contemplated by them, will be submitted to Congress
authority be given for investing the principal, over the proceeds of the
by the Secretary of the Treasury. It is gratifying to know that the ex-
surplus referred to, in good securities, with a view to the satisfaction of
penditures made necessary by the rebellion are not beyond the resources
of the loyal people, and to-believe that the same patriotism which has
such other just claims of our citizens against China as are not unlikely
thus far sustained the Government will continue to sustain it till peace
to arise hereafter in the course of our extensive trade with that Empire.
By the act of the 5th of August last Congress authorized the President
and union shall again bless the land.
to instruct the commanders of suitable vessels to defend themselves
I respectfully refer to the report of the Secretary of War for informa-
against and to capture pirates. This authority has been exercised in a
tion respecting the numerical strength of the Army and for recommen-
dations having in view an increase of its efficiency and the well-being
single instance only. For the more effectual protection of our extensive
of the various branches of the service intrusted to his care. It is grati-
and valuable commerce in the Eastern seas especially, it seems to me that
it would also be advisable to authorize the commanders of sailing ves-
fying to know that the patriotism of the people has proved equal to
the occasion, and that the number of troops tendered greatly exceeds the
sels to recapture any prizes which pirates may make of United States
force which Congress authorized me to call into the field.
vessels and their cargoes, and the consular courts now established by
law in Eastern countries to adjudicate the cases in the event that this
I refer with pleasure to those portions of his report which make allu-
should not be objected to by the local authorities.
sion to the creditable degree of discipline already attained by our troops
and to the excellent sanitary condition of the entire Army.
If any good reason exists why we should persevere longer in withhold-
The recommendation of the Secretary for an organization of the militia
ing our recognition of the independence and sovereignty of Hayti and
Liberia, I am unable to discern it. Unwilling, however, to inaugurate
upon a uniform basis is a subject of vital importance to the future safety
of the country, and is commended to the serious attention of Congress.
a novel policy in regard to them without the approbation of Congress,
I submit for your consideration the expediency of an appropriation for
The large addition to the Regular Army, in connection with the defec-
tion that has so considerably diminished the number of its officers, gives
maintaining a chargé d'affaires near each of those new States. It does
peculiar importance to his recommendation for increasing the corps of
not admit of doubt that important commercial advantages might be
secured by favorable treaties with them.
cadets to the greatest capacity of the Military Academy.
The operations of the Treasury during the period which has elapsed
By mere omission, I presume, Congress has failed to provide chaplains
since your adjournment have been conducted with signal success. The
for hospitals occupied by volunteers. This subject was brought to my
notice, and I was induced to draw up the form of a letter, one copy of
patriotism of the people has placed at the disposal of the Government
the large means demanded by the public exigencies. Much of the na-
which, properly addressed, has been delivered to each of the persons, and
at the dates respectively named and stated in a schedule, containing also
tional loan has been taken by citizens of the industrial classes, whose
the form of the letter marked A, and herewith transmitted.
confidence in their country's faith and zeal for their country's deliver-
These gentlemen, I understand, entered upon the duties designated at
ance from present peril have induced them to contribute to the support
the times respectively stated in the schedule, and have labored faithfully
of the Government the whole of their limited acquisitions. This fact
therein ever since. I therefore recommend that they be compensated at
action. imposes peculiar obligations to economy in disbursement and energy in
the same rate as chaplains in the Army. I further suggest that general
The revenue from all sources, including loans, for the financial year
provision be made for chaplains to serve at hospitals, as well as with
regiments.
ending on the 30th of June, 1861, was $86,835,900.27, and the expend-
The report of the Secretary of the Navy presents in detail the opera-
itures for the same period, including payments on account of the public
tions of that branch of the service, the activity and energy which have
debt, were $84,578,834.47, leaving a balance in the Treasury on the ist
characterized its administration, and the results of measures to increase
1058
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
First Annual Message
1059
its efficiency and power. Such have been the additions, by construction
and purchase, that it may almost be said a navy has been created and
convenient number in every event; then, first, let the whole country be
brought into service since our difficulties commenced.
divided into circuits of convenient size, the Supreme judges to serve in a
Besides blockading our extensive coast, squadrons larger than ever
number of them corresponding to their own number, and independent
before assembled under our flag have been put afloat and performed deeds
circuit judges be provided for all the rest; or, secondly, let the Supreme
which have increased our naval renown.
judges be relieved from circuit duties and circuit judges provided for
I would invite special attention to the recommendation of the Secretary
all the circuits; or, thirdly, dispense with circuit courts altogether, leav-
for a more perfect organization of the Navy by introducing additional
ing the judicial functions wholly to the district courts and an independent
grades in the service.
Supreme Court.
The present organization is defective and unsatisfactory, and the sug-
I respectfully recommend to the consideration of Congress the present
gestions submitted by the Department will, it is believed, if adopted,
condition of the statute laws, with the hope that Congress will be able
obviate the difficulties alluded to, promote harmony, and increase the effi-
to find an easy remedy for many of the inconveniences and evils which
ciency of the Navy.
constantly embarrass those engaged in the practical administration of
There are three vacancies on the bench of the Supreme Court-two by
them. Since the organization of the Government Congress has enacted
the decease of Justices Daniel and McLean and one by the resignation of
some 5,000 acts and joint resolutions, which fill more than 6,000 closely
Justice Campbell. I have so far forborne making nominations to fill
printed pages and are scattered through many volumes. Many of these
these vacancies for reasons which I will now state. Two of the out-
acts have been drawn in haste and without sufficient caution, so that their
going judges resided within the States now overrun by revolt, so that if
provisions are often obscure in themselves or in conflict with each other,
successors were appointed in the same localities they could not now
or at least so doubtful as to render it very difficult for even the best-
serve upon their circuits; and many of the most competent men there
informed persons to ascertain precisely what the statute law really is.
probably would not take the personal hazard of accepting to serve, even
It seems to me very important that the statute laws should be made as
here, upon the Supreme bench. I have been unwilling to throw all the
plain and intelligible as possible, and be reduced to as small a compass
appointments northward, thus disabling myself from doing justice to
as may consist with the fullness and precision of the will of the Legislature
the South on the return of peace; although I may remark that to trans-
and the perspicuity of its language. This well done would, I think,
fer to the North one which has heretofore been in the South would not,
greatly facilitate the labors of those whose duty it is to assist in the
with reference to territory and population, be unjust.
administration of the laws, and would be a lasting benefit to the people, by
During the long and brilliant judicial career of Judge McLean his cir-
placing before them in a more accessible and intelligible form the laws
cuit grew into an empire-altogether too large for any one judge to give
which so deeply concern their interests and their duties.
the courts therein more than a nominal attendance-rising in population
I am informed by some whose opinions I respect that all the acts of
from 1,470,018 in 1830 to 6,151,405 in 1860.
Congress now in force and of a permanent and general nature might be
Besides this, the country generally has outgrown our present judicial
revised and rewritten so as to be embraced in one volume (or at most
system. If uniformity was at all intended, the system requires that all
two volumes) of ordinary and convenient size; and I respectfully recom-
the States shall be accommodated with circuit courts, attended by
mend to Congress to consider of the subject, and if my suggestion be
Supreme judges, while, in fact, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Flor-
approved to devise such plan as to their wisdom shall seem most proper
ida, Texas, California, and Oregon have never had any such courts.
for the attainment of the end proposed.
Nor can this well be remedied without a change in the system, because
One of the unavoidable consequences of the present insurrection is the
the adding of judges to the Supreme Court, enough for the accommoda-
entire suppression in many places of all the ordinary means of admin-
tion of all parts of the country with circuit courts, would create a court
istering civil justice by the officers and in the forms of existing law.
altogether too numerous for a judicial body of any sort. And the evil, if
This is the case, in whole or in part, in all the insurgent States; and as
it be one, will increase as new States come into the Union. Circuit courts
our armies advance upon and take possession of parts of those States the
are useful or they are not useful. If useful, no State should be denied
practical evil becomes more apparent. There are no courts nor officers to
them; if not useful, no State should have them. Let them be provided
whom the citizens of other States may apply for the enforcement of their
for all or abolished as to all.
lawful claims against citizens of the insurgent States, and there is a vast
Three modifications occur to me, either of which, I think, would be an
amount of debt constituting such claims. Some have estimated it as
improvement upon our present system. Let the Supreme Court be of
high as $200,000,000, due in large part from insurgents in open rebellion
to loyal citizens who are even now making great sacrifices in the discharge
ro60
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
First Annual Message
I061
of their patriotic duty to support the Government.
Under these circumstances I have been urgently solicited to establish
an increase of 4 per cent on that of 1861, making $8,683,000, to which
by military power courts to administer summary justice in such cases.
should be added the earnings of the Department in carrying free matter,
I have thus far déclined to do it, not because I had any doubt that the
viz, $700,000, making $9,383,000.
end proposed-the collection of the debts-was just and right in itself,
The total expenditures for 1863 are estimated at $12,528,000, leaving
but because I have been unwilling to go beyond the pressure of necessity
an estimated deficiency of $3,145,000 to be supplied from the Treasury
in the unusual exercise of power. But the powers of Congress, I sup-
in addition to the permanent appropriation.
pose, are equal to the anomalous occasion, and therefore I refer the whole
The present insurrection shows, I think, that the extension of this
matter to Congress, with the hope that a plan may be devised for the
District across the Potomac River at the time of establishing the capital
administration of justice in all such parts of the insurgent States and
here was eminently wise, and consequently that the relinquishment of
Territories as may be under the control of this Government, whether by
that portion of it which lies within the State of Virginia was unwise and
a voluntary return to allegiance and order or by the power of our arms;
dangerous. I submit for your consideration the expediency of regaining
this, however, not to be a permanent institution, but a temporary sub-
that part of the District and the restoration of the original boundaries
stitute, and to cease as soon as the ordinary courts can be reestablished
thereof through negotiations with the State of Virginia.
in peace.
The report of the Secretary of the Interior, with the accompanying
It is important that some more convenient means should be provided,
documents, exhibits the condition of the several branches of the public
if possible, for the adjustment of claims against the Government, espe-
business pertaining to that Department. The depressing influences of
cially in view of their increased number by reason of the war. It is as
the insurrection have been specially felt in the operations of the Patent
much the duty of Government to render prompt justice against itself in
and General Land Offices. The cash receipts from the sales of public
favor of citizens as it is to administer the same between private indi-
lands during the past year have exceeded the expenses of our land sys-
viduals. The investigation and adjudication of claims in their nature
tem only about $200,000. The sales have been entirely suspended in
belong to the judicial department. Besides, it is apparent that the
the Southern States, while the interruptions to the business of the coun-
attention of Congress will be more than usually engaged for some time
try and the diversion of large numbers of men from labor to military
to come with great national questions. It was intended by the organiza-
service have obstructed settlements in the new States and Territories of
tion of the Court of Claims mainly to remove this branch of business
the Northwest.
from the halls of Congress; but while the court has proved to be an
The receipts of the Patent Office have declined in nine months about
effective and valuable means of investigation, it in great degree fails to
$100,000, rendering a large reduction of the force employed necessary to
final. effect the object of its creation for want of power to make its judgments
make it self-sustaining.
The demands upon the Pension Office will be largely increased by the
Fully aware of the delicacy, not to say the danger, of the subject, I
insurrection. Numerous applications for pensions, based upon the casual-
commend to your careful consideration whether this power of making
ties of the existing war, have already been made. There is reason to
judgments final may not properly be given to the court, reserving the
believe that many who are now upon the pension rolls and in receipt
right of appeal on questions of law to the Supreme Court, with such other
of the bounty of the Government are in the ranks of the insurgent army
provisions as experience may have shown to be necessary.
or giving them aid and comfort. The Secretary of the Interior has
I ask attention to the report of the Postmaster-General, the following
directed a suspension of the payment of the pensions of such persons
being a summary statement of the condition of the Department:
upon proof of their disloyalty. I recommend that Congress authorize
The revenue from all sources during the fiscal year ending June 30,
that officer to cause the names of such persons to be stricken from the
1861, including the annual permanent appropriation of $700,000 for the
pension rolls.
transportation of "free mail matter," was $9,049,296.40, being about 2
The relations of the Government with the Indian tribes have been
per cent less than the revenue for 1860.
greatly disturbed by the insurrection, especially in the southern superin-
The expenditures were $13,606,759.11, showing a decrease of more
tendency and in that of New Mexico. The Indian country south of
than 8 per cent as compared with those of the previous year and leaving
Kansas is in the possession of insurgents from Texas and Arkansas.
an excess of expenditure over the revenue for the last fiscal year of
The agents of the United States appointed since the 4th of March for this
$4,557,462.71.
superintendency have been unable to reach their posts, while the most
The gross revenue for the year ending June 30, 1863, is estimated at
of those who were in office before that time have espoused the insurrec-
tionary cause, and assume to exercise the powers of agents by virtue of
I062
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
First Annual Message
1063
commissions from the insurrectionists. It has been stated in the public
of the District of Columbia. The insurrection has been the cause of
press that a portion of those Indians have been organized as a military
much suffering and sacrifice to its inhabitants, and as they have no rep-
force and are attached to the army of the insurgents. Although the
resentative in Congress that body should not overlook their just claims
Government has no official information upon this subject, letters have
upon the Government.
been written to the Commissioner of Indian Affairs by several prominent
At your late session a joint resolution was adopted authorizing the
chiefs giving assurance of their loyalty to the United States and express-
President to take measures for facilitating a proper representation of the
ing a wish for the presence of Federal troops to protect them. It is
industrial interests of the United States at the exhibition of the industry
believed that upon the repossession of the country by the Federal forces
of all nations to be holden at London in the year 1862. I regret to say I
the Indians will readily cease all hostile demonstrations and resume their
have been unable to give personal attention to this subject-a subject at
former relations to the Government.
once so interesting in itself and so extensively and intimately connected
Agriculture, confessedly the largest interest of the nation, has not a
with the material prosperity of the world. Through the Secretaries of
department nor a bureau, but a clerkship only, assigned to it in the Gov-
State and of the Interior a plan or system has been devised and partly
ernment. While it is fortunate that this great interest is so independent
matured, and which will be laid before you.
in its nature as to not have demanded and extorted more from the Gov-
Under and by virtue of the act of Congress entitled "An act to con-
ernment, I respectfully ask Congress to consider whether something more
fiscate property used for insurrectionary purposes," approved August 6,
can not be given voluntarily with general advantage.
1861, the legal claims of certain persons to the labor and service of certain
Annual reports exhibiting the condition of our agriculture, commerce,
other persons have become forfeited, and numbers of the latter thus liber-
and manufactures would present a fund of information of great practical
ated are already dependent on the United States and must be provided for
value to the country. While I make no suggestion as to details, I ven-
in some way. Besides this, it is not impossible that some of the States
ture the opinion that an agricultural and statistical bureau might profit-
will pass similar enactments for their own benefit respectively, and by
ably be organized.
operation of which persons of the same class will be thrown upon them
The execution of the laws for the suppression of the African slave
for disposal. In such case I recommend that Congress provide for accept-
trade has been confided to the Department of the Interior. It is a sub-
ing such persons from such States, according to some mode of valuation,
ject of gratulation that the efforts which have been made for the suppres-
in lieu, pro tanto, of direct taxes, or upon some other plan to be agreed on
sion of this inhuman traffic have been recently attended with unusual
with such States respectively; that such persons, on such acceptance by
success. Five vessels being fitted out for the slave trade have been seized
the General Government, be at once deemed free, and that in any event
and condemned. Two mates of vessels engaged in the trade and one per-
steps be taken for colonizing both classes (or the one first mentioned if
son in equipping a vessel as a slaver have been convicted and subjected to
the other shall not be brought into existence) at some place or places in
the penalty of fine and imprisonment, and one captain, taken with a
a climate congenial to them. It might be well to consider, too, whether
cargo of Africans on board his vessel, has been convicted of the highest
the free colored people already in the United States could not, so far as
grade of offense under our laws, the punishment of which is death.
individuals may desire, be included in such colonization.
The Territories of Colorado, Dakota, and Nevada, created by the last
To carry out the plan of colonization may involve the acquiring of ter-
Congress, have been organized, and civil administration has been inaugu-
ritory, and also the appropriation of money beyond that to be expended
rated therein under auspices especially gratifying when it is considered
in the territorial acquisition. Having practiced the acquisition of terri-
that the leaven of treason was found existing in some of these new coun-
tory for nearly sixty years, the question of constitutional power to do so
tries when the Federal officers arrived there.
is no longer an open one with us. The power was questioned at first by
The abundant natural resources of these Territories, with the security
Mr. Jefferson, who, however, in the purchase of Louisiana, yielded his
and protection afforded by organized government, will doubtless invite
scruples on the plea of great expediency. If it be said that the only
to them a large immigration when peace shall restore the business of the
legitimate object of acquiring territory is to furnish homes for white men,
country to its accustomed channels. I submit the resolutions of the legis-
this measure effects that object, for the emigration of colored men leaves
lature of Colorado, which evidence the patriotic spirit of the people of the
additional room for white men remaining or coming here. Mr. Jefferson,
Territory. So far the authority of the United States has been upheld in
however, placed the importance of procuring Louisiana more on political
all the Territories, as it is hoped it will be in the future. I commend their
and commercial grounds than on providing room for population.
interests and defense to the enlightened and generous care of Congress.
On this whole proposition, including the appropriation of money with
I recommend to the favorable consideration of Congress the interests
the acquisition of territory, does not the expediency amount to abso-
1064
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
First Annual Message
1065
lute necessity-that without which the Government itself can not be
perpetuated?
changeably ranged on the side of the Union. Missouri is comparatively
The war continues. In considering the policy to be adopted for sup-
quiet, and, I believe, can not again be overrun by the insurrectionists.
pressing the insurrection I have been anxious and careful that the inev-
These three States of Maryland, Kentucky, and Missouri, neither of
itable conflict for this purpose shall not degenerate into a violent and
which would promise a single soldier at first, have now an aggregate
remorseless revolutionary struggle. I have therefore in every case
of not less than 40,000 in the field for the Union, while of their citizens
thought it proper to keep the integrity of the Union prominent as the
certainly not more than a third of that number, and they of doubtful
primary object of the contest on our part, leaving all questions which
whereabouts and doubtful existence, are in arms against us. After a
Legislature. are not of vital military importance to the more deliberate action of the
somewhat bloody struggle of months, winter closes on the Union people
of western Virginia, leaving them masters of their own country.
In the exercise of my best discretion I have adhered to the blockade of
An insurgent force of about 500, for months dominating the narrow
the ports held by the insurgents, instead of putting in force by proclama-
peninsular region constituting the counties of Accomac and Northampton,
ports. tion the law of Congress enacted at the late session for closing those
and known as Eastern Shore of Virginia, together with some contiguous
parts of Maryland, have laid down their arms, and the people there have
So also, obeying the dictates of prudence, as well as the obligations of
renewed their allegiance to and accepted the protection of the old flag.
law, instead of transcending I have adhered to the act of Congress to con-
This leaves no armed insurrectionist north of the Potomac or east of the
fiscate property used for insurrectionary purposes. If a new law upon
Chesapeake.
the same subject shall be proposed, its propriety will be duly considered.
Also we have obtained a footing at each of the isolated points on the
The Union must be preserved, and hence all indispensable means must
southern coast of Hatteras, Port Royal, Tybee Island (near Savannah),
be employed. We should not be in haste to determine that radical and
and Ship Island; and we likewise have some general accounts of popular
indispensable. extreme measures, which may reach the loyal as well as the disloyal, are
movements in behalf of the Union in North Carolina and Tennessee.
These things demonstrate that the cause of the Union is advancing
The inaugural address at the beginning of the Administration and the
steadily and certainly southward.
message to Congress at the late special session were both mainly devoted
Since your last adjournment Lieutenant-General Scott has retired from
to the domestic controversy out of which the insurrection and consequent
the head of the Army. During his long life the nation has not been
war have sprung. Nothing now occurs to add or subtract to or from the
unmindful of. his merit; yet on calling to mind how faithfully, ably, and
principles or general purposes stated and expressed in those documents.
brilliantly he has served the country, from a time far back in our history,
The last ray of hope for preserving the Union peaceably expired at the
when few of the now living had been born, and thenceforward contin-
assault upon Fort Sumter, and a general review of what has occurred
ually, I can not but think we are still his debtors. I submit, therefore,
since may not be unprofitable. What was painfully uncertain then is
for your consideration what further mark of recognition is due to him,
much better defined and more distinct now, and the progress of events
and to ourselves as a grateful people.
is plainly in the right direction. The insurgents confidently claimed a
With the retirement of General Scott came the Executive duty of
strong support from north of Mason and Dixon's line, and the friends of
appointing in his stead a General in Chief of the Army. It is a fortunate
the Union were not free from apprehension on the point. This, how-
circumstance that neither in council nor country was there, so far as I
ever, was soon settled definitely, and on the right side. South of the line
know, any difference of opinion as to the proper person to be selected.
noble little Delaware led off right from the first. Maryland was made
The retiring chief repeatedly expressed his judgment in favor of General
to seem against the Union. Our soldiers were assaulted, bridges were
McClellan for the position, and in this the nation seemed to give a
burned, and railroads torn up within her limits, and we were many days
unanimous concurrence. The designation of General McClellan is there-
at one time without the ability to bring a single regiment over her soil
fore in considerable degree the selection of the country as well as of the
to the capital. Now her bridges and railroads are repaired and open to
Executive, and hence there is better reason to hope there will be given
the Government; she already gives seven regiments to the cause of the
him the confidence and cordial support thus by fair implication promised,
Union, and none to the enemy; and her people, at a regular election,
and without which he can not with so full efficiency serve the country.
have sustained the Union by a larger majority and a larger aggregate
It has been said that one bad general is better than two good ones,
vote than they ever before gave to any candidate or any question. Ken-
and the saying is true if taken to mean no more than that an army is
tucky, too, for some time in doubt, is now decidedly and, I think, un-
better directed by a single mind, though inferior, than by two superior
ones at variance and cross-purposes with each other.
IO66
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
First Annual Message
1067
And the same is true in all joint operations wherein those engaged can
have none but a common end in view and can differ only as to the choice
people of all colors are neither slaves nor masters, while in the Northern
of means. In a storm at sea no one on board can wish the ship to sink,
a large majority are neither hirers nor hired. Men, with their families-
and yet not unfrequently all go down together because too many will
wives, sons, and daughters-work for themselves on their farms, in their
direct and no single mind can be allowed to control.
houses, and in their shops, taking the whole product to themselves, and
It continues to develop that the insurrection is largely, if not exclu-
asking no favors of capital on the one hand nor of hired laborers or slaves
sively, a war upon the first principle of popular government-the rights
on the other. It is not forgotten that a considerable number of persons
of the people. Conclusive evidence of this is found in the most grave
mingle their own labor with capital; that is, they labor with their own
and maturely considered public documents, as well as in the general tone
hands and also buy or hire others to labor for them; but this is only a
of the insurgents. In those documents we find the abridgment of the
mixed and not a distinct class. No principle stated is disturbed by the
existence of this mixed class.
existing right of suffrage and the denial to the people of all right to
participate in the selection of public officers except the legislative boldly
Again, as has already been said, there is not of necessity any such thing
advocated, with labored arguments to prove that large control of the
as the free hired laborer being fixed to that condition for life. Many inde-
people in government is the source of all political evil. Monarchy itself
pendent men everywhere in these States a few years back in their lives
is sometimes hinted at as a possible refuge from the power of the people.
were hired laborers. The prudent, penniless beginner in the world labors
In my present position I could scarcely be justified were I to omit rais-
for wages awhile, saves a surplus with which to buy tools or land for
ing a warning voice against this approach of returning despotism.
himself, then labors on his own account another while, and at length hires
It is not needed nor fitting here that a general argument should be
another new beginner to help him. This is the just and generous and
made in favor of popular institutions, but there is one point, with its
prosperous system which opens the way to all, gives hope to all, and conse-
connections, not so hackneyed as most others, to which I ask a brief
quent energy and progress and improvement of condition to all. No men
attention. It is the effort to place capital on an equal footing with, if not
living are more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from poverty;
above, labor in the structure of government. It is assumed that labor is
none less inclined to take or touch aught which they have not honestly
available only in connection with capital; that nobody labors unless some-
earned. Let them beware of surrendering a political power which they
body else, owning capital, somehow by the use of it induces him to labor.
already possess, and which if surrendered will surely be used to close the
This assumed, it is next considered whether it is best that capital shall
door of advancement against such as they and to fix new disabilities and
hire laborers, and thus induce them to work by their own consent, or buy
burdens upon them till all of liberty shall be lost.
them and drive them to it without their consent. Having proceeded so
From the first taking of our national census to the last are seventy years
far, it is naturally concluded that all laborers are either hired laborers or
and we find our population at the end of the period eight times as great as
what we call slaves. And further, it is assumed that whoever is once a
it was at the beginning. The increase of those other things which men
hired laborer is fixed in that condition for life.
deem desirable has been even greater. We thus have at one view what
Now there is no such relation between capital and labor as assumed,
the popular principle, applied to Government through the machinery of the
nor is there any such thing as a free man being fixed for life in the con-
States and the Union, has produced in a given time, and also what if firmly
dition of a hired laborer. Both these assumptions are false, and all infer-
maintained it promises for the future. There are already among us those
énces from them are groundless.
who if the Union be preserved will live to see it contain 250,000,000. The
Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit
struggle of to-day is not altogether for to-day; it is for a vast future also.
of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed.
With a reliance on Providence all the more firm and earnest, let us proceed
Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher considera-
in the great task which events have devolved upon us.
tion. Capital has its rights, which are as worthy of protection as any
other rights. Nor is it denied that there is, and probably always will be,
a relation between labor and capital producing mutual benefits. The
error is in assuming that the whole labor of community exists within that
relation. A few men own capital, and that few avoid labor themselves,
and with their capital hire or buy another few to labor for them. A large
majority belong to neither class-neither work for others nor have others
working for them. In most of the Southern States a majority of the whole
6
2
GEORGE WASHINGTON
FIRST ANNUAL ADDRESS.
UNITED STATES, January 8, 1790.
Fellow- Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
I embrace with great satisfaction the opportunity which now presents
itself of congratulating you on the present favorable prospects of our
public affairs. The recent accession of the important State of North
Carolina to the Constitution of the United States (of which official infor-
mation has been received), the rising credit and respectability of our
country, the general and increasing good will toward the Government
of the Union, and the concord, peace, and plenty with which we are
blessed are circumstances auspicious in an eminent degree to our national
prosperity.
In resuming your consultations for the general good you can not but
derive encouragement from the reflection that the measures of the last
session have been as satisfactory to your constituents as the novelty and
difficulty of the work allowed you to hope. Still further to realize their
expectations and to secure the blessings which a gracious Providence has
placed within our reach will in the course of the present important
session call for the cool and deliberate exertion of your patriotism,
firmness, and wisdom.
Among the many interesting objects which will engage your attention
that of providing for the common defense will merit particular regard.
To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving
peace.
A free people ought not only to be armed, but disciplined; to which
end a uniform and well-digested plan is requisite; and their safety and
interest require that they should promote such manufactories as tend
to render them independent of others for essential, particularly military,
supplies.
The proper establishment of the troops which may be deemed indis-
pensable will be entitled to mature consideration. In the arrangements
which may be made respecting it it will be of importance to conciliate
the comfortable support of the officers and soldiers with a due regard
to economy.
There was reason to hope that the pacific measures adopted with regard
to certain hostile tribes of Indians would have relieved the inhabitants of
our Southern and Western frontiers from their depredations, but you will
perceive from the information contained in the papers which I shall
direct to be laid before you (comprehending a communication from the
Commonwealth of Virginia) that we ought to be prepared to afford
protection to those parts of the Union, and, if necessary, to punish
aggressors.
The interests of the United States require that our intercourse with
INGTON
First Annual Message
3
ADDRESS.
other nations should be facilitated by such provisions as will enable me
to fulfill my duty in that respect in the manner which circumstances may
) STATES, January 8, 1790.
render most conducive to the public good, and to this end that the
Representatives:
compensations to be made to the persons who may be employed should,
according to the nature of their appointments, be defined by law, and a
oportunity which now presents
competent fund designated for defraying the expenses incident to the
ent favorable prospects of our
conduct of our foreign affairs.
the important State of North
Various considerations also render it expedient that the terms on which
L States (of which official infor-
foreigners may be admitted to the rights of citizens should be speedily
redit and respectability of our
ascertained by a uniform rule of naturalization.
d will toward the Government
Uniformity in the currency, weights, and measures of the United
nd plenty with which we are
States is an object of great importance, and will, I am persuaded, be
eminent degree to our national
duly attended to.
The advancement of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures by all
general good you can not but
proper means will not, I trust, need recommendation; but I can not
that the measures of the last
constituents as the novelty and
forbear intimating to you the expediency of giving effectual encourage-
ment as well to the introduction of new and useful inventions from
e. Still further to realize their
abroad as to the exertions of skill and genius in producing them at
hich a gracious Providence has
home, and of facilitating the intercourse between the distant parts of our
irse of the present important
country by a due attention to the post-office and post-roads.
exertion of your patriotism,
Nor am I less persuaded that you will agree with me in opinion that
hich will engage your attention
there is nothing which can better deserve your patronage than the pro-
inotion of science and literature. Knowledge is in every country the
se will merit particular regard.
t effectual means of preserving
surest basis of public happiness. In one in which the measures of gov-
ernment receive their impressions so immediately from the sense of the
community as in ours it is proportionably essential. To the security of
med, but disciplined; to which
requisite; and their safety and
a free constitution it contributes in various ways-by convincing those
te such manufactories as tend
who are intrusted with the public administration that every valuable end
of government is best answered by the enlightened confidence of the
essential, particularly military,
people, and by teaching the people themselves to know and to value their
is which may be deemed indis-
own rights; to discern and provide against invasions of them; to distin-
deration. In the arrangements
guish between oppression and the necessary exercise of lawful authority;
between burthens proceeding from a disregard to their convenience and
be of importance to conciliate
and soldiers with a due regard
those resulting from the inevitable exigencies of society; to discriminate
the spirit of liberty from that of licentiousness-cherishing the first,
C measures adopted with regard
avoiding the last-and uniting a speedy but temperate vigilance against
have relieved the inhabitants of
encroachments, with an inviolable respect to the laws.
their depredations, but you will
Whether this desirable object will be best promoted by affording aids
d in the papers which I shall
to seminaries of learning already established, by the institution of a
ding a communication from the
national university, or by any other expedients will be well worthy of
a place in the deliberations of the Legislature.
ught to be prepared to afford
, and, if necessary, to punish
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives:
I saw with peculiar pleasure at the close of the last session the
[uire that our intercourse with
resolution entered into by you expressive of your opinion that an ade-
4
GEORGE WASHINGTON
quate provision for the support of the public credit is a matter of high
importance to the national honor and prosperity. In this sentiment I
entirely concur; and to a perfect confidence in your best endeavors to
devise such a provision as will be truly consistent with the end I add an
equal reliance on the cheerful cooperation of the other branch of the
Legislature. It would be superfluous to specify inducements to a meas-
ure in which the character and permanent interests of the United States
are so obviously and so deeply concerned, and which has received so
explicit a sanction from your declaration.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives:
I have directed the proper officers to lay before you, respectively, such
papers and estimates as regard the affairs particularly recommended to
your consideration, and necessary to convey to you that information of
the state of the Union which it is my duty to afford.
The welfare of our country is the great object to which our cares and
efforts ought to be directed, and I shall derive great satisfaction from
a cooperation with you in the pleasing though arduous task of insuring
to our fellow-citizens the blessings which they have a right to expect
from a free, efficient, and equal government.
SECOND ANNUAL ADDRESS.
UNITED STATES, December 8, 1790.
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives:
In meeting you again I feel much satisfaction in being able to repeat
my congratulations on the favorable prospects which continue to distin-
guish our public affairs. The abundant fruits of another year have
blessed our country with plenty and with the means of a flourishing
commerce. The progress of public credit is witnessed by a considerable
rise of American stock abroad as well as at home, and the revenues
allotted for this and other national purposes have been productive beyond
the calculations by which they were regulated. This latter circumstance
is the more pleasing, as it is not only a proof of the fertility of our
resources, but as it assures us of a further increase of the national
respectability and credit, and, let me add, as it bears an honorable testi-
mony to the patriotism and integrity of the mercantile and marine part
of our citizens. The punctuality of the former in discharging their
engagements has been exemplary.
THE WHITE HOUSE
UPDATE 2
WASHINGTON
November 21, 1989
MEMORANDUM TO INTERESTED PARTIES
FROM: DAVID DEMAREST
PP
SUBJECT: COMMUNICATIONS PLAN FOR ONE YEAR BUSH ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OBJECTIVE:
To communicate the accomplishments of the Bush Administration's
first year through outreach efforts to the public, constituency
groups, the media, the Congress and grass-root Republicans.
BACKGROUND:
Public Affairs is preparing a document outlining first year
accomplishments to be released in early December. The document
will be distributed by mass mailings and in briefings. The
targeted audience is the media and constituency groups, both from
the White House and Agencies.
Input by the Agencies will be included in the White House version
of the accomplishments, through the normal staffing process (ie.
Cabinet Affairs). But we will also request the Public Affairs
Directors develop a more detailed Departmental accomplishments
list to distribute to their own targeted media and constituency
group lists.
OUTREACH:
The following describes potential avenues for outreach across the
United States -- providing individuals with current and accurate
information regarding President Bush's first year in office:
The Media
The White House:
Agencies:
-- targeted mailings of White
-- targeted mailings of
House document to national
Department's document to
media
specialty trade press and
"beat" reporters
-- December and January White
-- letters to the editors and
House briefings with editors
op-eds generated by Cabinet
and publishers
Members and other top
Administration officials
-- Cabinet Members conduct
satellite interviews
Constituency Groups and other Audiences
The White House:
Agencies:
mass mailing of WH doc-
-- mass mailing of Department
ument by various
documents to their
WH offices. Specific
constituency group lists
guidelines discussed below in
"Miscellaneous. " **
-- all White House offices to
-- Department documents
incorporate document in
incorporated in Dec/Jan
Dec/Jan briefings.
briefings
TIMELINE: (for White House accomplishments document)
Monday, November 20
Accomplishments document to be staffed.
Tuesday, November 21
Department Public Affairs briefing -- 11:00 a.m., OEOB 180
Wednesday, November 22
Staffing comments due on accomplishments document.
Wednesday, December 6
Accomplishments document to printer.
People Magazine conducts interview with the President on his
first year in office.
OPL briefing for Foreign Policy leaders. (tentative)
Monday, December 11 -- official release date
Distribution of document to White House press corps and mass
mailing of document to begin.
Media Relations editors luncheon and briefing. (tentative)
Legislative Affairs briefing for Hill Press Secretaries.
(tentative)
Agency Public Affairs briefing. (tentative)
Week of December 11
Cabinet and Hill Leadership meetings scheduled to occur
(separately). (tentative)
Begin selling satellite interviews with Cabinet Members.
Op-eds by Cabinet Members begin running.
Tuesday, December 12
OPL briefing for Business leaders.
Thursday, December 14
OPL briefing for Conservative leaders.
Week of December 18 - 20
Time, Newsweek, and US News and World Report Magazines conduct
interviews of the President on his first year in office.
January
Media Relations briefing and dinner for publishers.
Political Affairs will be meeting with their constituency groups
throughout the month of January for various reasons. They are
interested in conducting briefings on the accomplishments while
their constituents are in town. (RNC annual meeting, B/Q
chairmen reunion, inaugural reunion, Finance meetings, and
possible RNC field staff)
Wednesday, January 10
Business Week Magazine conducts interview of the President on his
first year in office.
MISCELLANEOUS: **
Mailings
White House document to be distributed by: Public Affairs,
Public Liaison, Media Relations, Intergovernmental, Political
Affairs/RNC, Legislative Affairs and the Vice President's office.
Each office is responsible for their own distribution, but will
be provided the document. Please check with Public Affairs on
distribution lists and numbers.
The Department Public Affairs offices will distribute their own
set of accomplishments to media and constituency lists (please
confirm lists with White House Public Affairs).
Briefings
Intergovernmental Affairs would like to offer their constituents
the opportunity to attend an already scheduled White House
briefing on the accomplishments.
Media
The White House Public Affairs and Media Relations Office will
coordinate with the Department Public Affairs Offices in
arranging satellite interviews for Cabinet Members.
Department Public Affairs Directors will arrange their own
Cabinet Member's op-eds and letters to the editors via their
normal process. (please send a copy of everything published to
the White House public affairs office)
###
Sec. Baker placing call to Fareign minister Wall.
Genecher's morning secretary on line, says and just
Menscher after opening of :
a moment for the minister sir, has
thank you for what america america." done
for sermany God bless
NYI, 11/22/89
EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
LIBRARY
OLD EXECUTIVE OFFICE BUILDING
Room 308
x7000
TO:
Peggan Doolay
ROOM:
111/22
DATE 2-14-91
To Keep
To Borrow Due Date
Per Your Request
FYI
Message: I've been updating
the SOTU list and thought
you might like it
for your files
From: acqui Gagg
STATE OF THE UNION MESSAGE
A record of the Annual Message to Congress each year, with
special attention to the transition years. See notes at end for
explanation of codes, etc.
Year
President
Date
Del/Mes
Note
Lgth
1991
Bush, George
1/29/91
D
47
1990
Bush, George
1/31/90
D
36
1989
Reagan (0) Bush (I)
6,7.
1988
Reagan, Ronald
1/25/88
D
41
1987
Reagan, Ronald
1/27/87
D
40
1986
Reagan, Ronald
2/4/86
D
1985
Reagan, Ronald
2/6/85
D
1984
Reagan, Ronald
1/25/84
D
43
1983
Reagan, Ronald
1/25/83
D
45
1982
Reagan, Ronald
1/26/82
D
45
1981
Carter, Jimmy (0)
1/16/81
M
5.
1980
Carter, Jímmy
1/23/80
D
31
1979
Carter, Jimmy
1/23/79
D
32
1978
Carter, Jimmy
1/19/78
D
50
1977
Ford, Gerald (0)
1/12/77
D
4.
1976
Ford, Gerald
1/19/76
D
50
1975
Ford, Gerald
1/15/75
D
40
1974
Nixon, Richard
1/30/74
D
45
1973
Nixon, Richard
2/2/-3/14/73
M
3.
1972
Nixon, Richard
1/20/72
D
30
1971
Nixon, Richard
1/22/71
D
1970
Nixon, Richard
1/22/70
D
36
1969
Johnson, Lyndon (0)
1/14/69
D
1968
Johnson, Lyndon
1/17/68
D
1967
Johnson, Lyndon
1/10/67
D
1966
Johnson, Lyndon
1/12/66
D
1965
Johnson, Lyndon
1/4/65
D
1964
Johnson, Lyndon
1/8/64
D
1963
Kennedy, John
1/14/63
D
1962
Kennedy, John
1/11/62
D
1961
Eisenhower (0)
1/12/61
M
Kennedy (I)
1/30/61
D
1960
Eisenhower, D.
1/7/60
D
1950
Eisenhower, D.
1/9/59
D
1958
Eisenhower, D.
1/9/58
D
1957
Eisenhower, D.
1/10/57
D
1956
Eisenhower, D.
1/5/56
M
2.
1955
Eisenhower, D.
1/6/55
D
1954
Eisenhower, D.
1/7/54
D
1953
Truman (0)
1/7/53
M
1.
Eisenhower (I)
2/2/53
D
Lgth (Length) is given in minutes, based on reports in the
Washington Post or New York Times.
Codes
D = Delivered (read) before a Joint Session of Congress by the
president.
M = Message sent to Congresss, not read by the president (see
notes).
I = Incoming president
0 = Outgoing president
Notes
1.
Truman's message was read aloud by clerks in both houses of
Congress.
2.
Eisenhower's message was read aloud before a Joint Session
by a Clerk of the House of Representatives.
3.
Nixon sent a series of six Messages to Congress on the State
of the Union on 2/2, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 3/8, and 3/14.
4.
Carter (I) made a "Report to the American People" from the
White House Library on 2/2/77.
5.
Reagan (I) addressed a Joint Session on his "Program for
Economic Recovery" on 2/18/81.
6.
Reagan (0) made a "Farewell Address to the Nation" from the
Oval Office on 1/11/89.
7. Bush (I) addressed a Joint Session on "Administration Goals"
on 2/9/89.
Researched by J. Cragg, Reference Librarian
EOP Library, Room 308 OEOB
Washington
J.Q. Adams
Buchanan
Jan. 8, 1790
Dec. 9, 1891
Dec. 6, 1825
Dec. 3, 1924
Jan. 9. 1959
Dec. 8, 1857
Dec. 8, 1790
Dec. 6, 1892
Dec. 5, 1826
Dec. 8, 1925
Jan. 7. 1960
From : Kane, Joseph Nathan.
Dec. 6, 1858
Oct. 25, 1791
Dec. 4, 1827
Cleveland-
Dec. 7, 1926
Jan. 12. 1961
Facts About the Presidents.
Dec. 19, 1859
2nd Administration
Nov. 6, 1792
Dec. 2, 1828
Dec. 6, 1927
5th ed., 1989. p378-9.
Dec. 3, 1860
Dec. 4, 1893
Dec. 3, 1793
Dec. 4, 1928
Kennedy
Jackson
Lincoln
Dec. 3, 1894
Jan. 30, 1961
Nov. 19, 1794
Dec. 8, 1829
Dec. 3, 1861
Dec. 2, 1895
Hoover
Jan. 11. 1962
Dec. 8, 1795
Dec. 6. 1830
Dec. 1, 1862
Dec. 7, 1896
Dec. 3, 1929
Jan. 14, 1963
Dec. 7, 1796
Dec. 6, 1831
Dec. 8, 1863
Dec. 2, 1930
J. Adams
Dec. 4, 1832
McKinley
Dec. 6, 1864
Dec. 8, 1931
L.B. Johnson
Dec. 6, 1897
Nov. 22, 1797
Dec. 3, 1833
Jan. 8. 1964
A. Johnson
Dec. 5, 1898
Dec. 6, 1932
Dec. 8. 1798
Dec. 1, 1834
Dec. 4, 1865
Jan. 4. 1965
Dec. 5, 1899
Dec. 3, 1799
Dec. 7, 1835
Dec. 3, 1866
F.D. Roosevelt
Jan. 12, 1966
Dec. 3, 1900
Nov. 22. 1800
Dec. 5, 1836
Dec. 3, 1867
Jan. 3, 1934
Jan. 10, 1967
Jefferson
Van Buren
Dec. 9, 1868
T. Roosevelt
Jan. 4, 1935
Jan. 17, 1968
Dec. 8, 1801
Dec. 3, 1901
Dec. 5, 1837
Grant
Jan. 3, 1936
Jan. 14, 1969
Dec. 15, 1802
Dec. 3. 1838
Dec. 6, 1869
Dec. 2, 1902
Jan. 6, 1937
STATE OF THE UNION MESSAGES
Oct. 17. 1803
Dec. 7, 1903
Nixon
Dec. 2. 1839
Dec. 5. 1870
Jan. 3, 1938
Dec. 6, 1904
Jan. 22. 1970
Presidential messages are not required in any specif-
Nov. 8. 1804
ic form or at any specified time. The annual State of
Dec. 5, 1840
Dec. 4, 1871
Jan. 4, 1939
the Union messages are either read to Congress or de-
Dec. 3. 1805
Dec. 2. 1872
Dec. 5, 1905
Jan. 22, 1971
Jan. 3, 1940
livered by the President in person. Presumably. they
Tyler
fulfill the requirement of Article 2. section 3 of the
Dec. 2. 1806
Dec. 3. 1906
Jan. 20. 1972
Dec. 7, 1841
Dec. 1, 1873
Jan. 6, 1941
Oct. 27, 1807
Dec. 3, 1907
Feb. 2. 1973
Constitution. which provides that the President "shall
from time to time give to the Congress Information of
Dec. 6, 1842
Dec. 7, 1874
Jan. 6, 1942
Nov. 8, 1808
Dec. 8, 1908
Jan. 30. 1974
the State of the Union." The term "State of the Union
Dec. 5, 1843
Dec. 7, 1875
Jan. 7, 1943
Message" came into use on January 6, 1941; before
then. the messages were generally called "annual
Madison
Dec. 3. 1844
Dec. 5. 1876
Taft
Jan. 11, 1944
Ford
messages."
Nov. 29, 1809
Hayes
Dec. 7, 1909
Jan. 6, 1945
Jan. 15. 1975
William Henry Harrison and James Abram Gar-
Polk
field did not prepare annual messages. Harrison served
Dec. 5. 1810
Dec. 3. 1877
Dec. 6, 1910
only 32 days and Garfield only 199 days.
Dec. 2, 1845
Jan. 19, 1976
Nov. 5, 1811
Dec. 2. 1878
Dec. 5, 1911
Truman
George Washington did not prepare a message dur-
Dec. 8. 1846
Jan. 12, 1977
ing the calendar year 1789. but delivered two messages
Nov. 4, 1812
Dec. 1, 1879
Dec. 3, 1912
Jan. 22, 1946
in 1790. one on January 8 and one on December 8.
Dec. 7, 1847
Dec. 7, 1813
Dec. 6, 1880
Jan. 6, 1947
Until the administration of Franklin Delano Roose-
Wilson
Carter
Dec. 5, 1848
velt in 1933, there were 144 messages. Of these 128
Sept. 20, 1814
Arthur
Dec. 2, 1913
Jan. 7, 1948
Jan. 19, 1978
were delivered in December, 1 in January, 1 in Sep-
tember, 3 in October. and 11 in November.
Dec. 5. 1815
Taylor
Dec. 6, 1881
Dec. 8, 1914
Jan. 5, 1949
Jan. 23, 1979
Since the inauguration date was changed to January,
Dec. 4, 1849
Dec. 3. 1816
Dec. 4, 1882
Dec. 7, 1915
Jan. 4, 1950
Jan. 23. 1980
51 messages have been made in January and 4 in Feb-
ruary.
Fillmore
Dec. 4, 1883
Dec. 5, 1916
Jan. 8, 1951
Jan. 16. 1981
Monroe
The longest State of the Union message was sent to
Dec. 2, 1817
Dec. 2, 1850
Dec. 1, 1884
Congress in 1946 by President Harry S. Truman and
Dec. 4, 1917
Jan. 9, 1952
consisted of more than 25,000 words.
Nov. 16. 1818
Dec. 2. 1851
Cleveland-
Jan. 7, 1953
Reagan
Dec. 2, 1918
It is generally conceded that most presidential
1st Administration
Jan. 26. 1982
speeches are prepared by writers. presumably carrying
Dec. 7, 1819
Dec. 6, 1852
Dec. 8, 1885
Dec. 2, 1919
Eisenhower
Jan. 25, 1983
out the wishes and thoughts of the executives. It is esti-
mated that President Lyndon Baines Johnson's speech
Nov. 14, 1820
Pierce
Dec. 6, 1886
Dec. 7, 1920
Feb. 2, 1953
Jan. 25, 1984
of January 8, 1964, consisting of 3,059 words, required
Dec. 3, 1821
Dec. 5, 1853
the services of abOut twenty-four writers, who took
Dec. 6, 1887
Harding
Jan. 7, 1954
Feb. 1985
about six weeks to draft the speech, with ten to sixteen
Dec. 3, 1822
Dec. 4, 1854
Dec. 3, 1888
Dec. 4, 1921
Jan. 6, 1955
Feb. 4, 1986
major revisions.
State of the Union messages were given on these
Dec. 2, 1823
Dec. 31, 1855
B. Harrison
Dec. 8, 1922
Jan. 5, 1956
Jan. 27, 1987
dates:
Dec. 7, 1824
Dec. 2, 1856
Dec. 3, 1889
Coolidge
Jan. 10, 1957
Jan. 25, 1988
Dec. 1, 1890
Dec. 6, 1923
Jan. 9, 1958
Jan. H, 1989